SOE Minister Targets Freeport Indonesia Smelters In Gresik To Be Completed In May 2024

JAKARTA - Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir confirmed that the PT Freeport Indonesia mining or smelter processing facility project in Gresik, East Java will be completed in the middle of next year.

Erick revealed that the development of this smelter was 72 percent. He said, accelerating the development of domestic smelters is one of the government's efforts in realizing downstreaming.

The smelter built by PT Freeport Indonesia has reached 72 percent. God willing, in May next year it can be completed," he said, quoted from the official Instagram account @erickthohir, Wednesday, June 21.

With downstreaming, the mining products exported can provide added value to the state. Thus, Indonesia no longer exports raw goods or raw materials.

Erick said, this is a big momentum in Indonesia's journey to become a developed country.

Furthermore, Erick said that with this smelter, Indonesia can manage and integrate natural resources in the country and provide many benefits for the community.

"We no longer focus on consumption, but on production in the world ecosystem such as battery EVs which are the main components of electric cars," he explained.

"This will make Indonesia's economic development more rapidly and create jobs for the people of Indonesia," he continued.

Meanwhile, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) revealed that the Gresik smelter being built by Freeport Indonesia has a capacity of 1.7 million tons per year.

Furthermore, Jokowi also emphasized that this smelter is Indonesia's foothold or foundation to become a developed country.

"Because those who rely on consumption now are on production," said Jokowi.