REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, TOKYO - The Coordinating Minister of Economy Hatta Rajasa said Indonesia could begin mass production of electric car in 2017. Indonesia is committed to develop electric car as an alternative to promote energy efficiency.
"We expect Indonesia to enter proven phase of mass production of electric car in 2017." Minister Hatta Rajasa said on the sidelines of 4th Indonesia-Japan Joint Economic Forum. Before Indonesia starts mass production, the electric car will be used in small scale as a feeder.
Minister is also scheduled to deliver the idea on electric car in APEC Summit in Nusa Dua, Bali, in 2013. Electric car is expected to be the icon of environmental friendly car in the Summit.
"I will encourage ITB (Institut Technologi Bandung) to prepare several electric cars for APEC. It is in accordance with APEC spirit, which is promoting energy efficiency and global energy," he said.
However, he admitted that the car needed further research on passenger safety and charging system. He also hopes that electric car can decrease Indonesians' dependence on fuel.