Karawang Artha Industrial Hill, Karawang, July 7, 2025 – Founded in 2011 in Ningde, China by Robin Zeng, CATL originated from the electric vehicle (EV) battery division of ATL. From the beginning, the company focused on developing LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) and NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) batteries for EVs. CATL started by partnering with domestic automakers such as BAIC and Geely. In 2016, CATL became the largest EV battery supplier in China, supported by government policies promoting electric vehicle adoption. In 2017, CATL entered the European market through collaboration with BMW, and in 2018, it raised over USD 850 million through an IPO on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange to fund global expansion. Today, as the world’s largest EV battery producer, CATL supplies top brands such as Tesla, BMW, and Volkswagen, while expanding its business into battery recycling, energy storage systems, and heavy-duty vehicle batteries.

CATIB, or Contemporary Amperex Technology Indonesia Battery, is a large-scale strategic collaboration between China’s CATL, Indonesia Battery Corporation (IBC), and the state-owned mining company ANTAM. This initiative aims to build a fully integrated EV battery industry in Indonesia. Inspired by a shared vision to leverage Indonesia’s abundant nickel reserves and China’s battery technology leadership, CATIB is committed to establishing a complete supply chain—from nickel mining and material processing to cell manufacturing and recycling facilities. With a total investment of approximately USD 5.9–6 billion, this project marks a major milestone in the transformation of Indonesia’s national industry.

The CATIB project is a fully integrated EV battery ecosystem developed jointly by CATL, IBC, and ANTAM, covering the entire value chain from upstream to downstream—from nickel mining to battery recycling. It is being developed in two key locations: East Halmahera and Karawang Artha Industrial Hill, Karawang. The groundbreaking ceremonies at both locations are significant milestones in national industrial transformation, with the Karawang Artha Industrial Hill event on June 29, 2025, officiated by President Prabowo Subianto. As part of the National Strategic Project (PSN), CATIB reflects Indonesia’s commitment to downstream industry development, green energy, and the ambition to become a global EV battery hub.

According to cnnindonesia.com, this end-to-end industrial development comprises six integrated projects—a collaboration between PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTAM), Indonesia Battery Corporation (IBC), and the CATL-Brunp-Lygend (CBL) consortium. Five of these projects are located in the FHT area of East Halmahera, and one in Karawang. The project is expected to generate up to 8,000 direct jobs, boost local economic growth, and include the construction of 18 multipurpose port infrastructure projects.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations and highest appreciation to CATIB for the successful groundbreaking ceremonies at two strategic locations: Karawang Artha Industrial Hill in Karawang and East Halmahera in North Maluku. It is an honor for us to be part of this visionary project that will lay the foundation for Indonesia’s first fully integrated EV battery ecosystem. The presence of CATIB in our area reflects trust and commitment to Indonesia’s industrial potential and reinforces Karawang Artha Industrial Hill’s position as a center for future industrial growth. We are proud to support the realization of this project, which not only advances resource downstreaming but also accelerates the green energy transition and enhances Indonesia’s role in the global EV battery supply chain.