VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Member of Commission VII DPR RI Mukhtarudin supports President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to continue the nickel downstream program. Even though the European Union filed a lawsuit, related to the cessation of exports of raw nickel ore to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Because, according to him, the President's firmness is based on the constitutional mandate to be able to optimize and develop downstream nickel commodities. The goal is the added value of nickel is getting bigger, for the national interest.

"It's time for us to optimize our natural resources as much as possible. This is for the prosperity of the people according to the mandate of the constitution," said Mukhtarudin to reporters, Tuesday (13/9/2022).

According to him, President Jokowi's firmness regarding the ban on the export of nickel ore raw materials has become a hard code. Especially to the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) to be more proactive and progressive in seeking business partners.

"Both partners at home and abroad," he said. "In this case, foreign investors will of course prioritize our national interests."

The government has banned the export of nickel ore since January 1, 2020. The decision is contained in the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Regulation Number 11 of 2019.

Mukhtarudin emphasized that he did not only support the policy of banning the export of nickel ore raw materials. But if the President wants to add to the list of prohibitions on exporting commodities, such as copper, he will also support it.

"Anyway, I am ready to support Pak Jokowi's policy," he said. "It's just a matter of what our strategy is to support the policy."

According to him, Indonesia should not be afraid of the European threat that will bring this issue to the WTO. Because national sovereignty is far more important than threats or pressure from the WTO.

"The ban on the export of raw materials is very appropriate to show Indonesia's sovereignty as a strong country," he said. "Also to create jobs."

President Jokowi is not afraid of the European Union's threat to bring the issue of banning exports of nickel raw materials to the WTO. Even though later the WTO will win the EU lawsuit.

"It's okay, but make sure the goods and the industry are ready first," said the President. "It's okay, why should we be afraid?" (RRI)