VOINews, Jakarta: In a landmark collaboration, Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (Kementerian ESDM) recently established a strategic partnership with CNGR, a major Chinese nickel producer, and Central South University, one of China’s leading educational institutions. The partnership aims to develop human resources specializing in downstream nickel industries, reflecting Indonesia's growing focus on resource processing and value-added initiatives in the energy sector. The agreement was finalized during the ministry’s recent visit to CNGR's industrial complex in Ningxiang, China.
This collaboration offers a fresh perspective on regional partnerships, as it emphasizes not only skill development but also mutual advancements in energy-related industries across borders. Under the agreement, Indonesian technical personnel from Kementerian ESDM and CNGR Indonesia employees will receive intensive training at Central South University. The program, scheduled to span three years, combines theoretical studies in metallurgical and materials engineering with practical, hands-on experience within China’s nickel industry.
Prahoro Yulijanto Nurtjahyo, Head of the Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDM) at Kementerian ESDM, highlighted the potential of the partnership to advance new energy industries in both countries while also contributing to the global industrial landscape. “This partnership will unlock broader opportunities for developing advanced energy industries in both countries, while also offering significant contributions to the global industrial sector,” Nurtjahyo said in an official statement.
The alliance provides Indonesian professionals with exposure to advanced technologies in nickel processing, aiming to bridge skill gaps and build local expertise in a rapidly evolving sector. Given Indonesia’s commitment to fostering local talent for a competitive downstream nickel industry, this training opportunity is a significant step toward achieving those goals.
Meanwhile, Guo Xueyi, Vice President of Central South University, emphasized the partnership's role in bolstering educational cooperation and cultural exchange between China and Indonesia. “This collaboration represents a vital step toward strengthening educational ties and fostering cultural exchange between our nations,” he stated. Guo noted that the initiative aligns with Central South University's internationalization approach, contributing to its aim of expanding cross-cultural academic programs.
Notably, the Indonesian Ministry of Energy highlighted Central South University as an ideal partner for developing talent in the new energy sector, citing the institution’s strong expertise and established reputation in metallurgical engineering. On the other hand, CNGR’s technological capabilities and industrial scale add considerable value to the practical training component of the program.
The partnership reflects Indonesia’s strategic shift toward the downstream processing of natural resources. By developing expertise in these areas, Indonesia is not only enhancing its economic independence but also positioning itself as a competitive player in the global energy market. This initiative underscores Indonesia’s intent to capitalize on its rich nickel reserves by focusing on skill-building and value-added resource processing.
As Indonesia continues to foster relationships that enhance domestic capabilities and international influence, this cooperation with China represents a forward-thinking approach to industrial education, preparing a skilled workforce for the country’s sustainable energy future./Antara/VOI
