Indonesia is on track to emerge as a significant player in the global semiconductor industry, according to Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, Antaranews reported. He made the announcement at the Wiraraja Green Renewable Energy and Smart Eco Industry Park in Batam, on the Riau Islands as part of a signing for the nation's National Strategic Project.
Hartarto highlighted that a team from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recently visited Batam to assess Indonesia's semiconductor ecosystem. This visit aligns with Indonesia's ambition to be among the top seven countries prioritised for semiconductor manufacturing, a goal discussed during the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).
He emphasised the government's commitment to developing a robust semiconductor ecosystem, which is seen as a cornerstone for driving economic growth. The government plans to invest in human resources to support this development.
A primary focus of Indonesia's strategy is the localisation of semiconductor and sodium-ion battery production. The aim is to attract more global investors and showcase Indonesia's capability to innovate in new battery technologies like sodium-ion batteries, positioning it as a competitive alternative in the global market.
Hartarto expressed hope that the growth of the semiconductor and battery industries would lead to a substantial increase in employment opportunities. This industrial development is anticipated to spur economic growth and job creation in the Riau Islands, reinforcing Indonesia's position in the high-tech manufacturing sector.