ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – The Government of Indonesia has affirmed that its nickel exports are open to all countries, including the European Union (EU), without any additional requirements such as green standards or special conditions.
The statement was made by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, during a press conference in Jakarta on Monday, July 15, 2025.
“There are no issues with the European Union. We’re open to all countries. Equal treatment. Everyone is treated the same under Indonesia’s regulations,” Bahlil emphasized.
This statement dismisses speculation about tensions between Indonesia and the EU regarding nickel export and downstreaming policies.
Bahlil confirmed that Indonesia will not impose additional conditions on nickel exports to the EU, including green or environmental standards, beyond its domestic regulations.
This policy aligns with Indonesia’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in the global nickel supply chain, especially as demand from Europe for battery raw materials continues to rise.
The government remains firm that all international cooperation must comply with Indonesia’s own regulations to protect national interests and ensure the sustainability of the domestic industry.
“The rules applied are our national rules. We do not yield to external pressure or double standards,” Bahlil added.
Nickel Downstreaming: A Core Strategy of President Prabowo
Bahlil also addressed the challenges Indonesia has faced in implementing its resource downstreaming policy. He stated that many developed countries oppose this approach because it reduces Indonesia’s reliance on raw commodity exports and instead promotes local value-added processing.
“Many developed countries disagree with our downstreaming roadmap. But this is part of President Prabowo’s vision—to reduce raw material exports and increase domestic value creation,” he explained.
The government estimates that downstreaming 28 identified strategic commodities could attract up to USD 618 billion in investment by 2040. The success of this policy is evident in the significant jump in nickel-based export revenues, from USD 3.3 billion to USD 35 billion during the 2023–2024 period.
Addressing concerns raised by Western countries over environmental issues, Bahlil also questioned their commitment to global agreements such as the Paris Agreement.
“I urge the French Ambassador to ask the founding nations of the Paris Agreement—how committed are they today? Indonesia, on the other hand, has been highly consistent in implementing it,” Bahlil concluded. (AT Network)
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