How to Partner with PLN to Open an EV Charging Station in Indonesia

Indonesia had about 150,000 electric vehicles on the road by late 2025, and the government wants that number to hit 2 million electric cars and 13 million electric motorcycles by 2030.

To get there, the country needs charging infrastructure that does not yet exist. 

So far, PLN and private partners have built over 4,600 public charging stations, which means the network needs to grow roughly tenfold in the next five years. This gap presents an opportunity for investors, both foreigners and locals. 

SPKLU (Stasiun Pengisian Kendaraan Listrik Umum) stations are one of the few infrastructure plays in Indonesia where foreign investors can take 100% ownership, the regulatory path is well-defined, and demand is structurally guaranteed by government policy. 

However, you cannot just build a station and start selling electricity. The path runs through PLN, and understanding how that partnership works is the first step.

Step 1: Understanding PLN’s Role in the SPKLU Ecosystem

PLN or PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (Persero) is Indonesia’s state‑owned electric utility company. It is fully owned by the Government of Indonesia and operates as the main provider of electricity across the country.

Under Presidential Regulation No. 55 of 2019 and the updated Presidential Regulation No. 79 of 2023, PLN has been assigned to spearhead the development of charging infrastructure nationwide. 

Working with PLN gives you three things you cannot easily get on your own.

• Grid connection and bulk electricity tariffs. PLN provides the electrical connection and sells you power at special bulk rates. If you tried to operate independently, you would pay higher retail tariffs and face a more complex licensing path.
• Digital integration through PLN Mobile. Every SPKLU in the PLN network appears in the PLN Mobile app, which means EV drivers across Indonesia can find your station, check availability, and pay without downloading a separate app. You could build your own payment system, but you would be competing against an installed base of millions of PLN Mobile users.
• Regulatory cover. Energy is a sensitive sector under Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution, so operating under PLN’s umbrella signals to local authorities that your station meets national safety and service standards. This matters when you are trying to get permits approved quickly.

Being a “PLN Partner” signals to local authorities and customers that your station meets National Safety and Service Standards (SNI).

Step 2: Choosing Your Business Model (The 4 Official Schemes)

PLN offers a structured partnership program with four official schemes (Skema). Depending on your capital and how much control you want, you must choose a scheme that aligns with your long-term goals.

Scheme	Provider of Charger & Power	Provider of Land & System	Revenue Share & Best For
Skema 1 (Sharing)	PLN provides the charger and power connection.	The investor provides land, civil works, and permit management.	PLN Mobile system used. Best for site owners with limited capital for hardware.
Skema 2 (Provider)	The investor provides the charger and power connection.	PLN provides the system (app) and technical maintenance.	Investors earn a higher service fee. Best for companies with technical expertise.
Skema 3 (Lease)	PLN provides everything (hardware, power, and system).	The investor only provides the strategic location/land.	Fixed lease income or small commission. Best for real estate developers.
Skema 4 (Investor)	The investor provides hardware, land, power, and civil works.	PLN only provides the digital system/app integration.	Investors receive maximum revenue share. Best for full infrastructure investors.

Skema 4 gives you the highest revenue share because you are bearing the most capital and operational risk. Skema 3 sits at the other end: it is essentially a real estate play where PLN handles everything and you collect lease income. 

Most foreign investors with both capital and operational ambitions end up choosing Skema 2 or Skema 4.

Step 3: Preparing Your Company and Project Profile

Before you can enter a PLN partnership, you need a legally registered Indonesian entity. PLN will not sign agreements with individuals, and the capital requirements for public infrastructure mean you need proper corporate governance in place.

1. Establishing a PT PMA (Foreign Owned Company)

To operate in this sector, you generally must set up a PT PMA. The SPKLU sector is currently 100% open to foreign investment. You do not need a local partner to hold shares, giving you full control over your operations.

As of current BKPM regulations, a PT PMA requires a minimum investment plan of IDR 10 billion (approx. USD 650,000). However, it is important to distinguish this from the paid-up capital, which must be at least IDR 2.5 billion (approx. USD 150,000).

Read our guide on how you can start your own PT PMA company in Indonesia.

2. Select the Right KBLI Codes (2025 Updates)

Indonesia recently transitioned to KBLI 2025. It is vital that your company’s “Articles of Association” include the correct business classifications.

• KBLI 35140: This is the new consolidated code for “Electricity Distribution and Sales in One Business Unit,” which is currently the active KBLI code 35114.
• KBLI 46591: Wholesale Trade of Machinery and Equipment (useful if you are also distributing the hardware/various types of machines for industry).
• KBLI 3314: Repair and Maintenance of Electrical Equipment. Choosing the wrong KBLI can lead to your IUPTLU license being rejected later in the process.

3. The Project Feasibility Study

With your company in place, the next step is building a feasibility study that demonstrates your site can generate returns for both you and PLN. 

PLN uses this to evaluate whether your location has the grid capacity to support high-powered chargers and enough EV traffic to justify the partnership.

Here’s a checklist of what the feasibility study should cover:

1. Location and Site‑Feasibility: Geographic location, site type (e.g., mall, highway rest area), expected EV traffic, and proximity to PLN’s grid.
2. Grid‑Capacity and Technical Feasibility: Load absorbency, peak load estimates, and voltage requirements (Low vs. Medium).
3. Charger Configuration and Standards: Selection of AC Type 2 or DC CCS2/CHAdeMO connectors, power ratings, and physical layout.
4. Load Profile and Power Demand: Total installed power and projected energy consumption variations.
5. Grid‑Impact and Risk Mitigation: Impact on local voltage levels and transformer loading risks.
6. Commercial and Economic Feasibility: CAPEX, OPEX, and revenue projections including regulated Biaya Layanan (Service Fees).
7. Future‑Proofing and Expansion Potential: Ability to support additional chargers or renewable energy integration.
8. Regulatory and Permitting Requirements: List of required permits (PBG, SPPL) and coordination roadmap with local authorities.

The grid capacity question is particularly important. If the local infrastructure cannot handle your planned load, you may need a medium-voltage connection upgrade, which adds significant cost and time. The feasibility study helps you identify these issues before you commit to a site.

Step 4: Signing an MoU and Establishing a Partnership with PLN

Once your company is legally established, you must officially register through the PLN Partnership Portal. Emerhub can help you create an account on the PLN online platform and upload your company profile, NIB (Business Identification Number), and your proposed site data.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

After submission, the PLN team will evaluate if the site is “Grid Ready.” They will look at the proximity to the nearest substation and the capacity of the local transformer. If the initial survey is positive, you will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

An MoU is a preliminary 12-month, non-binding arrangement that grants you the exclusive right to develop that specific site with PLN while you finalize technical plans and hardware procurement.

The PKS (Cooperation Agreement)

The PKS (Perjanjian Kerja Sama) is the definitive, binding contract between you and PLN. Unlike the MoU, the PKS is legally enforceable and defines:

• Financial Commitment: Exact revenue-sharing split and automated billing cycles.
• Operational Liability: Responsibilities for power costs, internet, and hardware maintenance.
• Licensing Foundation: Mandatory requirement for obtaining your IUPTLU or SPKLU Identity Number.

Emerhub’s experts can help you draft a PKS to ensure you get the most advantage out of your partnership with PLN. 

Step 5: Obtaining Licenses and Permits

While partnering with PLN will help streamline coordination and integration into the national EV charging ecosystem all regulatory and licensing requirements must still be fulfilled independently.

To legally develop and operate an SPKLU, the following permits and approvals must be obtained in sequence:

1. Business Area Permit for EV Charger Station (to PLN)
2. The IUPTLU (Electricity Supply Business License): Under MEMR Regulation No. 1 of 2023, partners can apply for a “Sales IUPTLU” (IUPTLU Penjualan), which is simpler than an integrated utility license.
3. SPKLU Registration Number for EV Charger Station
4. The SLO (Sertifikat Laik Operasi): A safety test by a Technical Inspection Body (LIT). They check for grounding, surge protection, and SNI compliance. After the SLO, you receive an SPKLU Identity Number from the Ministry of ESDM.
5. Site-Specific Permits (PBG and SPPL): Building Approval (PBG) for structures and Environmental Commitment (SPPL) for low-risk projects.

Once you meet these requirements and pay the Installation Cost (Biaya Sambung) invoice from PLN, you can begin construction.

Starting an EV Charging Station Company in Indonesia

Starting an SPKLU business as a foreign investor requires deep knowledge of legal and administrative processes. Emerhub acts as your strategic partner in Indonesia to ensure your entry is compliant and efficient.

We assist with:

• PT PMA Setup: Structuring your investment according to your business plans.
• Licensing: Securing IUPTLU and SLO certificates through coordination with LIT and ESDM.
• PKS Negotiation: Ensuring revenue-sharing and operational terms are favorable to your business.

For more information about starting an EV charging business in Indonesia, contact our local experts for a free first-time consultation!