Wed. Aug 20th, 2025

The Indonesian government has been actively promoting the development of the nickel downstreaming sector, with a focus on increasing the value-added processing of nickel ore. This initiative has led to a significant increase in investment in the sector, with several major companies establishing nickel processing facilities in the country. As a result, Indonesia’s nickel downstreaming industry is expected to yield $33.9 billion in 2024, up from $23.4 billion in 2022. The growth of the sector is driven by increasing demand for nickel-based products, such as stainless steel, batteries, and catalysts. The Indonesian government has implemented various policies to support the development of the sector, including tax incentives, investment facilitation, and infrastructure development. The government has also established a number of special economic zones (SEZs) to support the growth of the sector, providing companies with access to specialized infrastructure and services. One of the key drivers of the sector’s growth is the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), which use nickel-based batteries. Indonesia is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, with several major EV manufacturers establishing production facilities in the country. The sector’s growth is also driven by the increasing demand for stainless steel, which is used in a wide range of applications, including construction, automotive, and consumer goods. Indonesia is the world’s second-largest producer of nickel, and the government is keen to increase the value-added processing of the metal. The nickel downstreaming sector is expected to create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic growth in the country. The sector’s growth is also expected to have a positive impact on the environment, as the processing of nickel ore reduces the amount of waste generated by the mining industry. However, the sector also faces several challenges, including the need for significant investment in infrastructure and the potential environmental impacts of nickel processing. The Indonesian government is working to address these challenges, with a focus on sustainable development and environmental protection. The growth of the nickel downstreaming sector is also expected to have a positive impact on the country’s trade balance, as the sector is expected to generate significant export earnings. The sector’s growth is also driven by the increasing demand for nickel-based catalysts, which are used in a wide range of industrial applications. Indonesia is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, with several major chemical companies establishing production facilities in the country. The nickel downstreaming sector is expected to play a key role in the country’s economic development, with the government targeting the sector as a key driver of growth. The sector’s growth is also expected to have a positive impact on the country’s energy security, as the processing of nickel ore reduces the country’s reliance on imported fuels. Overall, the growth of the nickel downstreaming sector is expected to have a significant positive impact on the Indonesian economy, with the sector expected to generate thousands of jobs and stimulate economic growth.

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