The Ministry of Industry inaugurated the solar panel factory of PT Trina Mas Agra Indonesia (TMAI) located in the Kendal Special Economic Zone, Central Java.

The facility, built with an investment exceeding Rp 1.5 trillion, represents a significant milestone in strengthening Indonesia’s domestic renewable energy industry.

Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita emphasized the importance of the solar panel industry as a catalyst for creating a sovereign national solar energy ecosystem, saying, “The solar panel industry is not only a technology supplier but also a catalyst for the creation of a national sovereign solar energy ecosystem”.

High-Tech Solar Panels with 1 GW Annual Capacity

The PT TMAI factory has an annual production capacity of 1 GW-peak, capable of producing approximately 1.4 million solar panels each year.

These panels use cutting-edge i-Topcon technology with an efficiency rate of up to 23% and a maximum output of 720 Watt-peak per unit.

The Minister highlighted, “I am very happy that the integrated solar panel factory PT TMAI will start operating with a capacity of 1 GW per year. We also appreciate PT TMAI’s strategic move to produce solar panels with the latest i-Topcon technology”.

The factory is expected to significantly reduce Indonesia’s dependence on imported solar modules and cells from China, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

Encouraging Local Industry Ecosystem and Content Utilization

The investment by PT TMAI supports the development of a domestic solar panel industry ecosystem, including the use of local components from supporting industries and accelerating downstream industries such as solar cell absorption and the development of wafers, ingots, and polysilicon smelters.

Minister Agus added, “This investment will encourage the formation of a domestic solar panel industry ecosystem through the use of local components and the acceleration of downstream activities”.

PT TMAI targets an initial Domestic Component Level (TKDN) of 41%, and the Ministry is preparing reforms to simplify and accelerate TKDN certification processes, aiming to ease costs and encourage more domestic investment.

Workforce Training and Technology Transfer

PT TMAI has employed 640 trained workers who received direct training in China, demonstrating the company’s commitment to technology transfer and developing local human resources.

Minister Agus stated, “Building a true national industry is not only about investment and factories, but also about instilling values of togetherness, empowering local human resources, and equitable technology transfer. This is an industry rooted in Pancasila.”

Strategic Partnerships Driving Green Industry Growth

The PT TMAI factory results from collaboration among Trina Solar Co. Ltd., PT Daya Sukses Makmur Selaras (a subsidiary of PT Dian Swastatika Sentosa Tbk under Sinar Mas Group), and PT PLN Indonesia Power Renewable.

Lokita Prasetya, Deputy Director of PT TMAI, said, “The integrated solar cell and module factory is currently capable of producing up to 1 GW, making it the largest in Indonesia and one of the largest in the world.”

Ferry Salman, Managing Director of Sinar Mas, conveyed appreciation for the Ministry’s support and said, “We hope this positive momentum continues so the national solar panel industry ecosystem can grow independently and become increasingly competitive.”

The factory’s operation is expected to be a catalyst for a sustainable, inclusive, and economically sovereign green industrial ecosystem in Indonesia.

PHOTO: KEMENPERIN

This article was created with AI assistance.