Gov’t to Stop Export of Raw Materials Gradually, President Jokowi Asserts

President Jokowi visits the nickel ore smelter in Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi province, Monday (12/27). (Photo by: Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat/Laily Rachev)

The Government is committed to carry on with the policy of industry downstreaming in mining sector by gradually stopping export of raw materials for mining products. During a visit to a nickel ore smelter in Konawe regency, Southeast Sulawesi province, Monday (12/27), President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said that after stopping nickel ore export, the Government will soon stop raw materials export for bauxite ore.

“I think we can reap many benefits of stopping nickel ore export. Therefore, next year, we will stop raw materials export for bauxite ore, and next, gold and tin ores,” the President said.

The Head of State said that the downstreaming has been realized and it is believed to add significant values domestically. With industry downstreaming, the people in the country will reap the benefits.

“Subsequently, it will create jobs, for instance, 27 thousand workers can be recruited in this company. Also, it will generate tax income for the country, and new business opportunities, for instance, domestic companies that will export nickel ore,” the President elaborated.

Meanwhile, the CEO of PT GNI, Wisma Bharuna, explained that today, derivative products of stainless steel are already available in Indonesia. They can be used to produce cooking pans, spoons, and so on. He hoped that with downstreaming industry, many products will be produced domestically, technology will be transferred, and it will improve the people’s welfare.

“All of the components should be available domestically and used to produce our own products, and that will finally improve the people’s welfare. There will be technology transfer and create skilled metallurgists and job opportunities. Indonesia is rich, everything is available here,” the CEO said.

Jokowi observed the processing activity of nickel ore in the factory, including the area of nickel ore stockpile. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat/FID/UN) (AW/MMB).