Indonesia in talks to attract Tesla and BYD with new incentives

Following Tesla’s launch in Malaysia, Indonesia is in the process of attracting investments from manufacturers of electronic vehicles such as Tesla and Build Your Dreams (BYD) through a set of new incentives, according to The Jakarta Post.

The proposed incentives will use similar incentives offered by its regional rivals such as Thailand and Vietnam, as yardsticks during the finalisation process, according to Luhut Pandjaitan, minister of maritime affairs and natural resources.

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Speaking at the nickel industry conference hosted by CNBC Indonesia, Pandjaitan also shared that the ministry is awaiting president Joko Widodo’s approval.

The minister will be meeting BYD executives in Chengdu, China this week with a meeting with Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, in California, United States, on 3 August.

Indonesia has reportedly been attempting to attract Tesla for years to host an Asian production hub for the manufacturer by enticing them with its nickel reserves.

Tesla's expansion into the Malaysian market is a direct response to the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Global Leaders initiative introduced by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), according to a statement by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).

Tesla's operation in Malaysia will include the vehicle importation of its Model 3 and Model Y into the market, with more slated to be introduced in the future.

The American EV manufacturer will also invest in the setting up of a vast network of fast-charging and regular-charging stations across strategic locations in Malaysia.

Malaysians can expect an experience centre which promises interactive spaces for potential buyers to gain insights into the benefits of electric mobility and receive personalised assistance from Tesla sales representatives.

Recently, Tesla Malaysia appointed GO Communications to handle its PR duties as it officially enters the Malaysian market.

GO Communications spearheaded the launch of the EV (electric vehicle) brand, that happened last week at the Pavilion in Kuala Lumpur. According to a release to the press, the arrival of Tesla further emphasises Malaysia’s commitment to promoting low-carbon mobility, while supporting the growth of the EV industry.

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