Indonesia is headed towards embracing hydrogen cars, as the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) released the national hydrogen and ammonia roadmap (RHAN) on April 15, 2025. The roadmap spells out the future of hydrogen utilization in Indonesia’s transport sector, with a definite vision for the next 35 years.
Also read: Indonesia Launches Hydrogen Roadmap, Toyota Welcomes It!
Hydrogen Car Forecasts into the Future
Per the RHAN report we see that which is to come in terms of hydrogen use is very large. By 2030 Indonesia puts out that they will have at play almost 3,000 Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) which will use up to 438 tons of hydrogen a year. By 2060 we see these numbers to go up greatly to 3.6 million FCEVs which will require an annual 530,000 tons of hydrogen.
These numbers indicate that the government is very much in support of integrating hydrogen as a main player in the transport sector which also includes other sectors like shipping and rail.
RHAN: A Strategic Strategy to Hydrogen Development
The RHAN provides a strategy to prioritize three areas:
- Hydrogen for New Renewable Energy Development
- Hydrogen to Facilitate Decarbonization Initiatives
- Hydrogen as an Export Commodity
Eniya Listiani Dewi, the Director General of New, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) in ESDM, stressed that this roadmap is part of establishing an ecosystem for hydrogen in Indonesia. She said the government will utilize hydrogen domestically as well as for export.
Also read: Toyota and BMW Confirm Partnership to Expend Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Collaborative Initiatives in the Development of Hydrogen Economy
We see that which players in the hydrogen economy come together is what makes the ecosystem grow. Eniya Dewi reported on the role of partnership and support from industries and local governments which is key to the growth of a sustainable hydrogen market.
At present we have seen that which is of great note is the initiative by many players which are at the table, from pilot projects of hydrogen refueling in Senayan and Karawang which are supported by companies like PLN and Toyota. Also PLN has put into motion the development of 22 hydrogen plants across Java and its neighboring areas which is a great step forward for Indonesia’s hydrogen story.
Potential for Greater Acceptance in Indonesia
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia’s President Director, Nandi Julyanto reported that the introduction of hydrogen cars in Indonesia may happen at a greater rate than in Japan. He notes that unlike Japan which had to start from scratch, Indonesia has the benefit of using present products, technology and infrastructure models.
With the right policy frameworks, access to basic materials, and a growing hydrogen network, the adoption of hydrogen vehicles in Indonesia will see an increase, which in turn will position the country as a leader in green transport in the region.
Key Highlights of the Future of Hydrogen Cars in Indonesia
- Hydrogen Roadmap Released The Department of Energy in Indonesia put out the National Hydrogen and Ammonia Roadmap (RHAN) which is to guide us into the future.
- 2030 Target By 2030 we see 3,000 hydrogen cars on the road which is to also see hydrogen demand at 438 tons per year.
- By 2060 Mass Growth Hydrogen car numbers are to grow to 3.6 million by 2060 which is also the time we should see hydrogen use increase to 530,000 tons annually.
- Hydrogen in Many Sectors Also to play a role in shipping and rail for better clean transport.
- Infrastructure Plans We are to see Hydrogen refueling stations go in, which includes projects by PLN and Toyota.li>
- Industry Support Also supporting these efforts are companies like Toyota, PLN and Pertamina.
- Faster Adoption Expected Indonesia may adopt hydrogen vehicles faster than Japan what with our present tech and infrastructure.
Also read: Indonesia Set To Launch Its First Hydrogen Refueling Station
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Hydrogen Cars in Indonesia
The roll out of the RHAN plan is a key step toward wide scale adoption of hydrogen fuel cells in Indonesia. We see large scale growth in the number of hydrogen cars, government support, and partnership with large industry players which puts into picture that in the next 5 years we will have thousands of these cars on our roads.
As the hydrogen sector grows, Indonesia’s transition to green, sustainable transport is a present reality. The coming years will be very critical in the development of hydrogen in Indonesia.
