VP Ma’ruf Amin Begins Groundbreaking of Industrial Zone in Indonesia’s Largest Nickel Producer

Vice President Ma’ruf Amin lays the first stone of NIS Industrial Zone, in North Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi, Thursday (05/19). (Photo by: BPMI of Vice President’s Secretariat)

Vice President Ma’ruf Amin Thursday (05/19) led the groundbreaking ceremony of Nusantara Industri Sejati (NIS) Industrial Zone in North Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi province.

The development of the industrial zone aims to develop a modern, sustainable, and environmentally sound industrial zone.

According to Ma’ruf, North Konawe has a great potential for the country as the world’s largest nickel producer. However, he added, the downstreaming process of nickel is yet to be developed to its full potential.

To that end, the Vice President said that the industrial zone is built to optimize added values from down streaming industry, to create more jobs, and to boost regional economy.

“I call on the operator of NIS Industrial Zone to create a large capacity zone to increase efficiency and competitiveness for export,” he said, while expressing hope that the industrial zone can synergize with micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises for greater contribution to regional and national economy.

On that occasion, the Vice President also underscored the importance of investors’ participation in developing a sustainable, and environmentally sound industrial ecosystem.

“I am appealing to regional governments, governors, and mayors to maintain favorable investment climate in Southeast Sulawesi province in general and North Konawe in particular. Do pay close attention to the environmental aspect and empowerment of the community,” he said.

In the meantime, Governor of Southeast Sulawesi Ali Mazi said that the development of this nickel smelter is a strategic project to support down streaming sector in Indonesia and boost regional economy.

He also reinforced his support to business activities of PT Nusantara Industri Sejati and PT Industri Smelter Nusantara in the province.

For the record, the smelter, which has a production capacity of 500,000 tons of ferronickel per year, is built on 375 hectares of land for the first phase. (BPMI of Vice President’s Secretariat /UN) (RAS/EP)