Indonesian authorities invite representatives of BYD and Tesla to a meeting

Speaking at a nickel industry conference hosted by CNBC Indonesia, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Natural Resources Luhut Panjaitan said the incentives would be comparable to those offered by — Thailand and Vietnam. However, he refused to disclose details about them.

Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, is trying to attract electric car manufacturers to invest in the country, enticing them with its rich reserves of nickel — the largest world — which can be recycled into batteries for electric vehicles.

However, some automakers, such as China's BYD, have opted to invest in Thailand, the region's automotive hub, instead.

nbsp;Indonesia», — Luhut said, adding that they were awaiting President Joko Widodo's approval.

Luhut said he would meet with BYD executives in the Chinese city of Chengdu on Thursday, and also scheduled a meeting with Tesla CEO Elon Musk in California, USA on August 3.