North Maluku Governor Says Downstreaming Of Antam Could Speed Regional Economic Growth

KARAWANG - The Integrated EV Battery Industry Development Project in East Halmahera is a regional economic catalyst. The Governor of North Maluku, Sherly Tjoanda Laos, ensured full support from the Regional Government for the smooth running of the mineral downstream agenda carried by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto.

At the Groundbreaking of the Integrated Battery Factory in Tanjung Buli, East Halmahera Sherly emphasized that the use of natural resources through downstreaming has the main goal of improving the welfare of the Indonesian people.

"We really appreciate the central government's great intention to encourage economic growth in eastern Indonesia, including North Maluku", said Sherly, quoted Monday, June 30.

Sherly emphasized that the indigenous peoples in North Maluku fully support the government's agenda. He detailed that there are at least 11 tribes that are ready to support North Maluku's progress.

"Because the future is not just a matter of advanced technology, but also about a caring heart, working hands, and our commitment to ensure that all regions and all people come forward together," said Sherly.

He added that Antam's presence with strategic partners showed a real role in presenting fair development. With the support of the central, regional and DPR RI governments, this project is believed to strengthen the quality of life of the community and open new economic access in the eastern region.

President Director of PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTM) Achmad Ardianto explained that Antam as a BUMN will always be present in the community's economic growth. Antam is committed to working with the central and regional governments to ensure that the project runs inclusively and has a real impact on the community.

In East Halmahera, this project includes mining, industrial estate development in which there is a battery raw material plant with a capacity of 30,000 tons cathode per year, a pyrometalurgy facility to produce 88,000 tons of refined nickel alloy, and a battery recycling plant with circular technology with a capacity of 20,000 tons of metal per year.

The presence of this strategic project is not only a matter of industrializing battery metals, but also a symbol of the revival of the East Indonesia economy. The absorption of labor is directly projected to reach 8,000 people, with various trainings and increasing local human resource capacity gradually.

We realize that the success of downstreaming in North Maluku is highly dependent on adequate infrastructure support. Antam is committed to working with the central and regional governments to ensure that the project runs inclusively and has a real impact on the community. The development of this battery ecosystem is not only an industrial project, but also a momentum for the transformation of eastern Indonesia. "said Ardianto.