Propose Ban On Silica Exports, Minister Of Industry Agus Gumiwang: We Work Hard

Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita is pushing for a policy to ban the export of silica. This is intended to strengthen the downstream and for the development of the domestic semiconductor industry.

Regarding the plan, Agus said that his party is still calculating and analyzing how much the semiconductor industry can enter Indonesia.

"The semiconductor part is designed, whether it is in the wafer, whether it is foundry. That's one part that we have to look at. We must be able to determine which one we want to enter," he said when met at Senayan, Wednesday, November 2.

Regarding the readiness of the domestic industry, Agus emphasized that he must be ready with this decision because silica is an important raw material for building the semiconductor industry.

He admitted that in a month he had made two visits abroad to discuss the semiconductor industry with officials and ministers in charge of the semiconductor industry.

"Several companies and the American government have committed to us that they will help develop the semi-conductor industry in Indonesia from various frameworks," Agus continued.

Regarding the plan to impose a ban on silica exports, which will be set this year, Agus was reluctant to comment and said his party was working hard so that the policy could be implemented immediately.

"Anyway, we work hard," concluded Agus.

Previously, Agus said he would spur the domestic semiconductor industry because there are many world-leading companies located in the US, while Indonesia has many sources of raw materials, including silica.

The Ministry of Industry has prepared a medium-term roadmap (years 2022-2030) for the development of the semiconductor industry in Indonesia.

"To support this step, the government will provide a number of incentives to investors in the semiconductor industry," he added.