Hampered by regulations, Chinese and European companies find it difficult to build EV charging stations.

KatadataOTO – The Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) has revealed that many companies want to build Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (SPKLU) in Indonesia. They are generally from China and Europe.

The high interest from companies to invest shows the great potential of the electric vehicle market in the country. Unfortunately, they are hampered by strict regulations stipulated in Government Regulation (PP) Number 5 of 2021 concerning Risk-Based Business Licensing.

“The regulation states that every foreign investment entering Indonesia must invest a minimum of IDR 10 billion. Meanwhile, building a charging station does not require that much funding,” explained Nurul Ichwan, Deputy for Investment Promotion at the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM, as reported by Antara (05/06)

Moreover, the lack of availability of charging facilities is considered one of the challenges in electric vehicle development that must be addressed immediately. Therefore, he plans to relax the regulations to accelerate the growth in the number of SPKLUs.

Photo : KatadataOTO

Moreover, there are now at least seven electric vehicle companies that have built production facilities in Indonesia. The entry of many manufacturers into the country is very important because the target for domestically produced EVs is quite high, at 2.5 million units per year by 2030.

It was previously reported that as of March 2025, the total number of SPKLUs for four-wheeled vehicles in Indonesia has reached 3,772 units. This number is spread across various regions to support the development of EVs in the country.

However, it cannot be denied that the majority are still located on the island of Java. Some other islands have also started to build them, but the numbers are not yet significant.

Photo : KatadataOTO

On the island of Java, there are at least 2,667 SPKLUs in 1,645 locations, Sumatra has 442 SPKLUs in 364 locations, and Kalimantan has 217 SPKLUs in 170 locations.

Next, Sulawesi has 148 SPKLUs spread across 125 locations, Bali and Nusa Tenggara have 246 SPKLUs in 167 locations, Maluku has 25 SPKLUs in 25 locations, and Papua has 27 SPKLUs in 19 locations.