President Jokowi Commences Copper Foil Factory Groundbreaking in E. Java Working Visit

President Jokowi commences a groundbreaking ceremony of PT Hailiang Nova Material Indonesia, in Gresik, East Java province, on Tuesday (06/20). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Tuesday (06/20) kicked off East Java working visit, accompanied by First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo.

The President and his entourage arrived at Juanda International airport, Sidoarjo regency, East Java province at 12.30 Western Indonesian time. Upon his arrival, the President headed to Gresik regency to commence a groundbreaking ceremony of the construction of Copper Foil Production Factory PT Hailiang Nova Material Indonesia, located in JIIPE Gresik Special Economic Zone.

In his remarks, President Jokowi delivered his appreciation for the construction of the factory that will manufacture raw material produced by smelters around Gresik areas into finished or semi-finished goods.

“Material from PT Freeport Indonesia can also be used and processed into finished or semi-finished goods, for instance, component for lithium battery, EV battery, or even EV as a product,” he said.

According to the President, mineral produced in Indonesia and the process carried out in the homeland must be in line to create added value and more jobs.

“If we can integrate our copper, nickel, tin, and bauxite; not exporting those as raw materials, processing the materials in homeland, it will create huge added value and more job opportunities. That will contribute to transforming Indonesia from a developing country to a developed country in the next 10-15 years,” he added.

He also expressed hope that material goods used in EV industry will not only be available to meet domestic demand but also for exports. Thus, it will attract investors from other countries since the material needed for EV industry can be found in Indonesia.

“We expect the construction of the factory can be completed soon and start the production. We also hope it can boost Indonesia to transform to a developed country,” he added.

After the groundbreaking ceremony, President Jokowi and the entourage is set to visit a smelter factory owned by PT Freeport Indonesia before returning to Jakarta. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (FID/UN) (RAS/LW)