TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Head of Central Java One-Stop Integrated Service and Investment Service (DPMPTSP), Ratna Kawuri, on Friday said that U.S. electric vehicle maker Tesla has yet to officially confirm its intentions to invest in the Batang Industrial Area, which conflicted with an earlier statement from Investments Minister Bahlil Lahadalia who mentioned the details of the investment. 

“We have yet to receive a detailed confirmation on the matter,” Kawuri wrote in a text message to Tempo on May 20. "But as stated by Pak Bahlil in Solo yesterday, there is indeed Tesla's interest in investing in Indonesia and it is directed to Batang.”

Bahlil Lahadila claims Tesla is interested in investing in Indonesia’s electric car ecosystem.

"We'll have to see as no agreement has been signed yet. The amount of investment is also still confidential. But this is good stuff; a huge item," Bahlil said as quoted by Antara, Wednesday, May 18.

Bahlil stated that Tesla would start entering Indonesia in 2022, but didn't say what month. He did not say how much will be pledged by the company, only stating that it will invest in two segments: electric cars and electric batteries.

The minister also said that most of Tesla's investment will be done in Batang, Central Java.

Bahlil previously accompanied President Joko Widodo alias Jokowi on a visit to the United States, during which the President met Tesla CEO Elon Musk. According to Bahlil, Jokowi himself has asked Tesla and Foxconn to invest in Indonesia.

JAMAL A. NASHR

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