ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi) inaugurated the PT Freeport Indonesia smelter production in the Special Economic Zone, Java Integrated Industrial and Ports Estate (JIIPE), Gresik Regency, East Java, on Monday, September 23 2024.
The smelter, which was built with an investment value of US$ 3.7 billion, is one of the government’s big steps in encouraging downstream industry in Indonesia.
President Jokowi explained that the negotiation process for building the smelter was not easy. However, after a long journey, the smelter project, which stands on an area of more than 100 hectares, is finally complete and ready to operate.
“And after 30 months, thank God, today we can make it official,” said President Jokowi.
President Jokowi also highlighted the positive impact of the smelter on state revenues which are estimated to reach IDR 80 trillion. This figure, according to President Jokowi, is very significant compared to if Indonesia only exported raw materials.
According to him, the existence of this smelter is part of Indonesia’s efforts to process its own natural resources and reduce exports of raw materials.
“With this smelter, PT Freeport Indonesia is able to refine 1.7 million tons of copper concentrate from Papua,” he said. (AT Network)
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