Ecobiz.asia – Swiss global technology firm, ABB Ltd, through its Indonesia unit PT ABB Sakti Industri, is at the forefront of Indonesia’s industrial and energy transformation, delivering cutting-edge solutions that support the country’s key industries: energy, manufacturing, transportation, mining, and resources. In an exclusive interview with Petromindo.com on Monday, October 14 in ABB’s office in WTC III Jakarta, Gerard Chan, President Director & Country Holding Officer of ABB Indonesia, shared ABB’s long-term commitment to Indonesia, its local investments, and how its innovative technologies drive the growth and efficiency of these critical industries.
As part of ABB Ltd, a global technology leader with a presence in over 100 countries, ABB Indonesia has been operating since the 1980s. “Our business is deeply integrated into Indonesia’s industrial backbone. From energy to transportation and mining, ABB’s technologies are essential to driving the country’s shift toward greater efficiency, sustainability, and modernization,” said Chan.
ABB’s Four Core Business Segments in Indonesia
Since its establishment in the 1980s, ABB has grown into a leading technology provider in Indonesia. The company operates through four core business segments: Motion, Electrification, Robotics & Discrete Automation, and Process Automation, each playing a crucial role in Indonesia’s industrial sectors.
Gerard Chan
Motion: ABB’s motors, generators, and drives are central to key industries such as mining, oil & gas, water, and manufacturing. “Our energy-efficient motors and drives help companies reduce energy consumption while boosting productivity, especially in energy-intensive sectors,” Chan explained.
Electrification: ABB’s Electrification business encompasses power distribution systems, smart building technologies, and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. “We work closely with PLN on electrification projects, ensuring energy efficiency and reliability across the board, including solar and power plant enhancements,” Chan highlighted.
Robotics & Discrete Automation: ABB is a leader in automating Indonesia’s manufacturing sector. “Our collaborative robots (cobots) are helping factories in industries such as automotive and food manufacturing become more efficient while reducing human error,” said Chan.
Process Automation: ABB’s solutions optimize operational efficiency in industries like oil & gas, mining, and power generation. “Our automation solutions allow industries to reduce energy use and improve compliance with environmental regulations,” Chan noted.
Key Collaborations with PT PLN
A major driver of ABB’s success in Indonesia is its long-standing partnership with PT PLN. “Our collaboration enables us to support important energy projects, like the Cirata floating solar plant and enhancements to existing power plants, such as Suralaya and Labuhan Angin,” Chan stated. ABB’s work includes delivering critical components and systems to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.
ABB also plays a critical role in Indonesia’s electric vehicle infrastructure development. “We’ve partnered with PLN and its subsidiary Haleyora Power to roll out EV charging stations across the country,” Chan said. “Our chargers are installed along major highways and in key urban areas, contributing to Indonesia’s push for cleaner transportation.”
Increasing Local Content and Investments
ABB has a strong commitment to raising local content in its products, a point Chan emphasized during the interview. “We’ve raised our local content from 20% in the 1980s to 60% today,” he shared, pointing to ABB’s facilities in Cibitung and Tangerang. These manufacturing sites serve both the domestic market and regional exports, underscoring ABB’s strategic role in Southeast Asia.
Chan also discussed ABB’s investment in upgrading its motor workshop in Surabaya, a key facility supporting Indonesia’s industrial maintenance needs. “We recently completed an upgrade to the workshop, investing around USD 500,000. This demonstrates our commitment to long-term growth in the country,” said Chan.
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Empowering Indonesia’s Digital Infrastructure
ABB is at the forefront of Indonesia’s digital transformation, providing energy-efficient solutions for data centers. “Data centers need reliable, energy-efficient systems to handle their massive energy requirements,” Chan explained. “Our technologies ensure sustainability and uptime, which is crucial as Indonesia’s digital economy grows.”
Nusantara: A Vision for a Green Capital
One of ABB’s exciting projects is its involvement in Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara. Designed to be a model for sustainability, Nusantara will rely heavily on renewable energy and electric mobility. “We’ve already supplied EV chargers for the government’s residential areas in Nusantara, and we’re ready to support more projects as the city develops,” said Chan. ABB’s technologies will ensure the new capital is energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable.
“Our technologies ensure sustainability and uptime, which is crucial as Indonesia’s digital economy grows.”
Gerard Chan, President Director & Country Holding Officer of ABB Indonesia
ABB’s Vision for Indonesia’s Future
Reflecting on the broader future of ABB in Indonesia, Chan was optimistic: “Indonesia is a key strategic market for us. We will continue to invest in local content, technology, and infrastructure to support the country’s energy and industrial transformation,” Chan said. He added that ABB’s commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and technological innovation will help Indonesia achieve its development goals in the years to come.
Conclusion
As Indonesia undergoes a significant transformation across its core industries—Energy, Manufacturing, Mining, Transportation, and Resources—ABB remains a trusted partner, providing the technology and expertise needed to drive sustainability, efficiency, and innovation. “We are proud of our role in supporting Indonesia’s economic development. With our focus on energy efficiency and cutting-edge technology, ABB is well-positioned to continue leading Indonesia’s energy and industrial transformation,” Chan concluded. ***