Bahlil Sets Conditions for Hydrogen Car Incentives to Be Disbursed

KatadataOTO – The development of hydrogen cars in Indonesia is moving quite fast. One of the manufacturers entering this segment is TAM (Toyota Astra Motor).

They have a number of products in this environmentally friendly four-wheeled vehicle line, such as the Toyota Mirai. It is even targeted to hit the roads in 2030.

Seeing this, the government is interested in providing support for hydrogen cars to be sold in the country.

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) stated that they will discuss the provision of hydrogen car incentives.

Photo : KatadataOTO

However, this can only happen if there are investors interested in entering this sector.

“We are asking who is coming in, who is investing (in hydrogen). We ask for their proposal, if it's okay, we will implement (the incentives),” said Bahlil Lahadalia, the Minister of ESDM, as quoted by Antara on Wednesday (16/04).

Furthermore, this aide to President Prabowo Subianto stated that the entry pattern for hydrogen cars into Indonesia will be similar to that of EVs (Electric Vehicles).

He referred to the experience with Hyundai. When the South Korean brand wanted to build an electric car factory in Karawang, West Java, Bahlil immediately mediated.

“We will see later which variables the government can provide incentives for to enable them to invest,” Bahlil continued.

Indeed, he did not deny that until now, there are no regulations regarding the hydrogen car ecosystem. Because it is still a new thing in the country.

Therefore, the formation of regulations requires in-depth discussions with hydrogen industry players. Especially to respond to investors who intend to invest money in the country.

Later, if the market potential has developed, the government will then make a number of adjustments.

“Later, the adjustments will be win-win, we want competition. The cheaper the better, we will conduct a mapping,” Bahlil Lahadalia affirmed.

Furthermore, Bahlil conveyed that the development of hydrogen cars is in line with President Prabowo Subianto's vision.

Photo : KatadataOTO

Especially for energy self-sufficiency sovereignty. The development of hydrogen can be pursued through the downstreaming program currently promoted by the government.

Bahlil stated that the utilization of hydrogen also supports national strategic industries. For example, in the transportation sector, but there are several challenges.

For instance, how the hydrogen car industry can compete with electric four-wheeled vehicles, which have also grown rapidly in recent years.