JAKARTA – PT Chandra Asri Pacific Tbk (TPIA), through its subsidiary PT Chandra Asri Alkali, is targeting commercial operations for its Chlor Alkali and Ethylene Dichloride (CA-EDC) plant in Cilegon, Banten, in the first quarter of 2027.

The announcement follows an update showing that construction progress has reached 50% and has entered its peak construction phase as of Friday (20/2).

“The CA-EDC plant represents one of Chandra Asri Group’s strategic steps to strengthen the foundations of a more resilient and integrated domestic chemical industry,” said Erwin Ciputra, president director and chief executive of Chandra Asri Group, in an official statement on Friday (20/2).

As previously reported by IDNFinancials.com, in its initial phase the CA-EDC plant will have an annual production capacity of 827,000 tonnes of caustic soda and 500,000 tonnes of EDC.

He added that increasing domestic production capacity for basic chemicals is expected to bolster national supply resilience, reduce imports and create export opportunities for Ethylene Dichloride (EDC).

For example, caustic soda production is projected to replace imports of up to 827,000 tonnes per year, equivalent to around USD 293 million. Meanwhile, all EDC output will be directed to export markets, with potential foreign exchange earnings of about USD 300 million annually.

TPIA previously disclosed that construction progress at the CA-EDC plant had reached 33% in September 2025.

During the construction period, the project has employed around 3,000 workers. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to create an additional 250 jobs and involve local small and medium-sized enterprises in its supply chain and operational support.

The CA-EDC plant has been designated a National Strategic Project under President Prabowo, with a total investment value of IDR 15 trillion.

Danantara and the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA) joined as investors in the project after signing a USD 800 million memorandum of understanding in June 2025. (DH/ZH)