VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo's steps are to stop not only the export of raw materials such as nickel ore, but also bauxite. In Jakarta last Thursday (18/11), he emphasized that after the smelter or mining refining site in Gresik, East Java has been completed, bauxite exports will also be stopped. According to the President, this export cessation is intended so that the Indonesian people can gain added value and create the widest possible employment opportunities. President Joko Widodo said that during the recent G20 meeting, many countries have complained about Indonesia’s nickel export ban policy.

Although this policy will make a number of countries be unable to accept it and will report it to the World Trade Organization (WTO), President Joko Widodo did emphasize that he will continue the downstream process of the mining raw material industry, if any country sues, Indonesia will face it.

President Joko Widodo further stated that this is an opportunity for Indonesia to integrate major domestic industries. He does not want Indonesia to lose the opportunity to become a major player in the global industrial arena. He added that Indonesia must speak out loudly against all property rights that have been controlled by foreigners. Minerals and coal must be the foundation in order to advance the Indonesian nation.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Trade, Jerry Sambuaga said that Indonesia has the right to regulate trade in its strategic resources. Moreover, it has something to do with the interests of the wider community and sustainable economic interests as well. Nickel is one of the materials to make batteries of various kinds, including for electric cars which are becoming a world trend. Indonesia is the main nickel producer in the world. So, it is not surprising that international markets are interested in Indonesian nickel. The government seeks to optimize the contribution of nickel to the economy and national interest. With efforts against the lawsuit against the restriction on nickel exports, Deputy Minister Jerry Sambuaga hopes that the nickel-based industry can also grow by taking advantage of this momentum. Thus, the nickel trade and industry will provide the highest added value as President Joko Widodo has affirmed.

Chairman of the Indonesian Regional Representatives Council, LaNyalla Mahmud Mattalitti fully supports President Joko Widodo's policy. He said that Indonesia does not need to be afraid of the threat from European countries that will bring this problem to the world trade organization (WTO). This is the right time to show Indonesia's sovereignty.