In the bustling streets of Jakarta, a silent revolution is brewing, one that could reshape Indonesia’s automotive landscape and significantly dent the country’s carbon emissions. Luthfina Ariyani, a researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency, has been delving into how Indonesia can accelerate its transition to electric vehicles (EVs), and her findings, published in the journal ‘Sustainable Futures’ (translated from Indonesian as ‘Futures that can be maintained’), offer a roadmap that could have profound implications for the global energy sector.
Ariyani’s work, which takes a bird’s-eye view of the global innovation system (GIS), reveals that Indonesia’s shift from internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) to EVs isn’t just about swapping out engines. It’s about a fundamental shift in perspective, one that recognizes the intricate dance of companies, industries, and national and global scales. “We need to see EV diffusion as part of a broader global innovation system,” Ariyani asserts. “It’s not just about the vehicles; it’s about the entire ecosystem that supports them.”
At the heart of Ariyani’s research is the idea that Indonesia can facilitate this transition by bolstering its local suppliers and domestic companies, many of which are currently lagging behind. She suggests a two-pronged approach: improving technology mastery in EV’s main components and exponentially increasing demand for EVs. This isn’t just about creating jobs or stimulating the economy; it’s about positioning Indonesia as a global player in the EV market.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Ariyani’s research is her emphasis on upgrading local EV component manufacturing. She envisions a future where Indonesian companies aren’t just assembling EVs, but are at the forefront of designing and manufacturing key components. This could have significant commercial impacts, opening up new export opportunities and attracting foreign investment.
But Ariyani doesn’t stop at components. She also highlights the need for a new EV battery company, one that’s built on the principles of circularity. This could revolutionize Indonesia’s energy sector, creating a closed-loop system where batteries are recycled and reused, reducing waste and conserving resources.
So, how might this research shape future developments? It offers a blueprint for other developing countries looking to transition to electric mobility. It underscores the importance of a holistic approach, one that considers the entire innovation system, from local suppliers to global markets. And it provides a compelling vision of a future where Indonesia isn’t just a consumer of technology, but a leader in its development and implementation.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and the energy transition, Ariyani’s work serves as a reminder that the solutions aren’t always about big, bold initiatives. Sometimes, they’re about the small, incremental steps that, when taken together, can lead to a sustainable future. And in the case of Indonesia’s EV transition, those steps are already underway.