JAKARTA – The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is preparing strategies to boost nickel reserves in anticipation of Indonesia Emas 2045. This initiative aims to ensure the continuity and sustainability of the national nickel supply, a significant source of foreign exchange.

During the Bisnis Indonesia Economy Outlook 2025 broadcast on YouTube on Tuesday (10/11), the Director-General of Minerals and Coal (Minerba) at the ESDM stated that the government plans to increase nickel reserves through several measures. These include geological exploration by the Geological Agency of ESDM, assigning exploration areas to State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), Regional-Owned Enterprises (BUMD), and private companies, auctioning prepared mining zones, and expanding Mining Business License (IUP) areas.

Currently, Indonesia holds 5.3 billion tons of nickel reserves, representing 42% of the world’s total nickel reserves, making it the largest nickel reserve holder globally.

However, the reserves are projected to deplete within 25 years, with an annual production of nickel ore estimated at 200 million tons. "These nickel reserves are expected to run out in 25 years, or five years after Indonesia Emas 2045," he noted. (LK/ZH)