The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, stated that Indonesia plans to import lithium from Australia. The import of lithium is aimed at developing the electric vehicle (EV) battery ecosystem in the country.

He mentioned that there are four raw materials for making EV batteries, including nickel, cobalt, manganese, and lithium. According to Bahlil, Indonesia has three of these raw materials, except for lithium.

Therefore, importing lithium from Australia will fulfill all four raw materials for EV battery production. "Currently, we are collaborating with Australia to import lithium from their country," he said at the International Battery Summit 2025 at Hotel Mulia, Jakarta, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

Bahlil explained that the reason for choosing Australia is because it is more economical in terms of transportation costs. He stated that Indonesia has been importing lithium from African countries, but it would be more economical to import from Australia due to its proximity.

"Economically, it will be much more economical from Australia, because there are transportation costs. Some business colleagues have already taken mines there," he said.

However, he could not confirm the volume of lithium that will be imported from Australia. "I do not know the volume, as I am not the entrepreneur," he added.

He further stated that the Indonesian EV market will be quite large in the future. This is because the government will continue to push for net zero emissions by 2050-2060, in line with the targeted goal.

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