ASIATODAY.ID, KENDAL — Indonesia marked a major milestone in its renewable energy journey with the inauguration of an integrated solar panel factory by PT Trina Mas Agra Indonesia (TMAI) in the Kendal Special Economic Zone (SEZ). With a total investment exceeding IDR 1.5 trillion (approx. USD 92 million), the facility is set to accelerate the country’s solar energy independence.
Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita emphasized that the presence of the factory not only strengthens Indonesia’s solar energy supply chain, but also serves as a catalyst for establishing a sovereign and competitive renewable energy ecosystem.
“This solar panel plant marks a key milestone in our national energy transition. With cutting-edge i-Topcon technology offering 23% efficiency and 1 GW production capacity, we can significantly reduce our dependency on imported solar modules,” the Minister stated during the inauguration ceremony, June 19, 2025.
With a capacity of 1 gigawatt (GW) per year, PT TMAI is projected to produce approximately 1.4 million solar panels annually, each capable of delivering up to 720 Watt-peak. This positions the factory as one of the most advanced in Southeast Asia.
The project aligns with Indonesia’s efforts to bolster local content utilization (TKDN), aiming for an initial 41% TKDN rate while supporting downstream development in the clean energy industry.
PT TMAI has already hired 640 trained local workers, all of whom received specialized training in China. This initiative demonstrates the company’s strong commitment to technology transfer and enhancing the competence of Indonesia’s human capital in the renewable energy sector.
“Building a national industry is not just about factories and investment. It’s about empowering people, transferring knowledge, and upholding the values of independence and equality. This is an industry rooted in the principles of Pancasila,” Minister Agus emphasized.
The Minister also underlined the importance of downstreaming silica sand, a key raw material for solar panel manufacturing. Indonesia holds more than 330 million tons of silica reserves, with estimated potential reaching 25 billion tons nationwide. When processed into wafers or polysilicon, the value of silica can increase by up to 25 times.
PT TMAI’s initiative aligns with Presidential Regulation No. 46 of 2025, which mandates the use of locally made products in government procurement, including in renewable energy projects.
This integrated solar manufacturing facility is the result of a strategic partnership between Trina Solar Co. Ltd., PT Daya Sukses Makmur Selaras (a subsidiary of PT Dian Swastatika Sentosa Tbk, part of the Sinar Mas Group), and PT PLN Indonesia Power Renewable.
“We deeply appreciate the Ministry of Industry’s support in guiding the energy transition through solar energy development. We’re committed to ensuring the national solar industry becomes more self-reliant and globally competitive,” said Ferry Salman, Managing Director of Sinar Mas.
According to PT TMAI Deputy CEO Lokita Prasetya, the facility is now the largest integrated solar cell and module factory in Indonesia, with the capability to manufacture some of the largest solar panels in the world.
“Our presence in Kendal SEZ will play a vital role in supporting Indonesia’s clean energy targets while reducing dependence on imported components,” he added. (AT Network)
Follow Us at Google News and WA Channel