Indonesia Plans to Impose Royalties on Various Metals
The cobalt price on the London Metal Exchange today is USD 29,210 per ton, up 5.26% from the previous trading day's close, while the nickel price is USD 16,493 per ton, down 0.35%, far below the record high prices from 2022-2023. The cobalt content in nickel ore traded in 2023-2024 was approximately 0.1%. If royalties are imposed on cobalt, the government could increase revenue by around USD 600 million. Some have proposed that the government impose royalties on associated cobalt in nickel ore, rather than raising the progressive royalty rate on nickel ore itself. Currently, cobalt is not included in the mineral categories subject to royalties.
Huawei Officially Launches Foldable Phone in Indonesia
Chinese Medical Enterprise Invests in Building Factory in Indonesia
Indonesia Identifies 21 Downstreaming Projects
East Java Province Engages in Multi-Field Cooperation with China
China Participates in Developing Indonesia's Nuclear Power Industry
The global trend of investment in nuclear power plants is increasing year by year. The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry will work together with the government to seize this momentum and potential. The Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Energy and Mineral Resources expressed appreciation for the government's priority on developing the new energy industry. President Prabowo stated that nuclear energy is one of the cleanest renewable energy sources, and most of the funds may be injected into green and renewable energy sectors as well as related key industries. According to the International Energy Agency report, the value of nuclear energy investment will increase year by year under three scenarios. In 2023, over 410 reactors were operating in 30 countries, and this number is expected to increase by 2025. Countries around the world are competing to build nuclear
President Prabowo Meets with Eight Chinese-Indonesian Business Tycoons
President Prabowo hosted a dinner at the Jakarta Presidential Palace for eight major Chinese-Indonesian entrepreneurs, accompanied by the State Secretary Minister and the Cabinet Secretary. The eight entrepreneurs include Anthony Salim, Sugianto Kusuma, Prajogo Pangestu, Boy Thohir (younger brother of the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises), Franky Widjaja, Dato Sri Tahir, James Riady (
Indonesian Ministry of Industry Responds to Crisis at Jiangsu Delong's Indonesian Nickel Company
PT GNI's nickel smelter is located in North Morowali. The company is currently in a transition phase due to the new management being more selective in raw material choices, with production expected to return to normal in April 2025. During this period, employee capability improvement will be carried out. The company has explained the situation to the Ministry of Industry, pledging not to lay off workers or reduce wages. The company denies delaying payments to nickel ore suppliers due to financial issues or production disruptions. The root cause is disagreement between the old and new management over the selection of raw material suppliers; the new management wants to ensure that received raw materials meet requirements. Additionally, PT GNI will obtain new funding sources after the management change, with funding agreements and mechanisms expected to be completed by July 2025, but it is not confirmed whether the new funds or investors mean that the company will no longer be controlled by China's Jiangsu Delong. Previously, there were reports that PT GNI delayed payments to suppliers, leading to inability to obtain nickel ore and potential production stoppages. Its business is also affected by the debt default of its Chinese parent company, Jiangsu Delong. At the end of February, PT GNI stated that the company is in a transition phase, operations are still ongoing, aiming to strengthen its structure to face future industry challenges.
Chinese Enterprises Building Factories in Indonesia to Create Tens of Thousands of Jobs
The Deputy Minister of Manpower revealed that 58,000 new job openings will be available soon. Chinese automaker BYD is building a factory in Subang that will accommodate 18,000 workers, and Huawei Technologies will also build a factory accommodating 30,000 workers. He also expressed satisfaction with the good development of Indonesian company Sritex, whose employees laid off at the end of February 2025 will be rehired. He requested that priority be given to former employees of the company that formally declared bankruptcy last month during the hiring process. He called on all parties to remain optimistic and believe that the situation in Indonesia will continue to improve.
Indonesia Identifies 21 Downstream Industry Projects with Total Investment of US$40 Billion
The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources announced that the government has finalized 21 first-phase downstream industry projects with a total investment of US$40 billion (approximately IDR 659.2 trillion), funded by the National Energy Investment Authority (BPI Danantara). These projects cover multiple strategic sectors including oil and gas, mining, agriculture, and marine. Key projects include the construction of oil storage facilities on Nipa Island to enhance national energy security, aiming to meet the presidential decree requirement of fulfilling 30 days of national demand. A refinery with a daily capacity of 500,000 barrels will also be built to ensure stable domestic energy supply and reduce import dependence.
Import License Issues Hinder Development of Indonesian Liquor Companies
In early 2025, members of the Indonesian Alcoholic Beverage Importers Association reported difficulties in selling their products due to incomplete issuance of alcoholic beverage import licenses. Currently, only 9 out of 17 member importers have obtained licenses, and the association is unaware of the reasons for the remaining 8. According to regulations, license applications through the trade system should only take 5 business days. The association has sent a complaint letter to the Ministry of Trade but has received no response. The license issue may lead to unfair competition and could allow illegally imported alcoholic beverages to enter the market. Additionally, since last year, the demand for imported alcoholic beverages has been slowing, linked to global and domestic economic uncertainty and declining public purchasing power.
Indonesian Government Cabinet Reviews Downstream Industry Projects
The Indonesian government is reviewing various downstream projects, including minerals, coal, agricultural products, and seafood. President Prabowo received a report from the downstream task force and relevant ministries on investment development in downstream industries. During the meeting, the task force reported several strategic projects aimed at promoting industrialization and national economic growth. The Minister of Investment and Downstream stated that, in addition to economic considerations, these projects also examine their impact on job creation, increasing exports, and reducing imports. The government's goal is for these projects to contribute not only short-term benefits but also to healthy and sustainable industrialization, with evaluations at each stage to ensure optimal investment outcomes. As risk mitigation