ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia and Switzerland have taken a major step toward strengthening their strategic economic partnership by expanding cooperation in the minerals and metals sector, focusing on sustainable downstream industries, advanced technology, and global supply chain development.
The two countries officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Enhanced Cooperation in the Minerals and Metals Sector, marking a new phase in bilateral economic collaboration and supporting Indonesia’s ambition to become a key hub for high-value mineral processing in Asia.
The agreement was signed in Jakarta by Minister of Investment and Downstreaming/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Rosan Roeslani and Swiss Ambassador to Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN Olivier Zehnder on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
The signing finalized a process previously completed through a circular procedure by Swiss Confederation President and Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) Guy Parmelin on 23 June 2026 in Basel, Switzerland, during Swissmem Industry Day 2026.
From Raw Materials to Global Value Creation
Rosan Roeslani said the partnership reflects Indonesia’s commitment to transforming its natural resources into higher-value industries through sustainable downstreaming.
“Indonesia is blessed with abundant mineral resources. However, our ambition is not merely to export raw materials, but to create value-added industries, generate quality employment, and strengthen national competitiveness through downstream transformation,” Rosan said.
He emphasized that Switzerland represents a strategic partner with strong capabilities in technology, innovation, sustainability, financing, logistics, and access to global markets.
The cooperation supports Indonesia’s broader industrial transformation agenda, particularly in developing strategic sectors such as electric vehicle battery ecosystems, renewable energy, green manufacturing, and advanced mineral processing industries.
Connecting Indonesia’s Resources with Swiss Technology
Swiss Ambassador Olivier Zehnder highlighted that the agreement provides a foundation for deeper collaboration by combining Indonesia’s mineral resources with Switzerland’s expertise in technology, innovation, and responsible industrial practices.
“This MoU connects Indonesia’s resource potential with Swiss technology, expertise, and investment along the entire value chain — from investment and innovation to responsible and sustainable management,” Zehnder said.
The partnership carries additional significance as Indonesia and Switzerland mark 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, reflecting decades of cooperation and mutual trust.
Building Sustainable Mineral Ecosystem
The cooperation framework covers several strategic areas, including investment promotion, sustainable mineral supply chains, technology transfer, knowledge exchange, human capital development, and the implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
It also includes cooperation in clean technology development, improved governance of downstream industries, business missions, exhibitions, training programs, and business matching activities.
Through this partnership, Indonesia and Switzerland aim to promote responsible mineral development while supporting the global transition toward cleaner energy and sustainable industries.
Swiss Investment Expands Economic Partnership
Swiss investment in Indonesia reached approximately US$1.33 billion from 2021 to the first quarter of 2026, with major contributions from food manufacturing, transportation and warehousing, telecommunications, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries.
The economic partnership between both countries is further strengthened through the implementation of the Indonesia–European Free Trade Association Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IE-CEPA), which provides greater certainty and market opportunities for businesses.
The new minerals cooperation is expected to accelerate Indonesia’s transformation from a resource-based economy into a global industrial player, strengthening its position in the emerging green economy and future energy supply chains. (AT Network)
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