Indonesia’s Ambitions at the Forefront of Critical MineralsIndonesia is boldly asserting itself as a linchpin in the global energy transition. In a landmark move, the government has revealed a comprehensive $618 billion Critical Minerals Roadmap to be showcased at the 2025 International Critical Minerals and Metals Summit. Partnering with Fastmarkets, a leading global commodities and pricing intelligence agency, Indonesia aims to convert its vast mineral wealth into a long-term industrial advantage. The roadmap is not only an economic blueprint but also a political declaration of Indonesia’s intent to be a dominant supplier and processor of minerals critical to EV batteries, renewable energy, and high-end manufacturing.

Summit Spotlight: A Stage for Strategic Global DialoguesThe prestigious summit, scheduled for September 24–26, 2025, at the luxurious Bali International Convention Center, is set to gather over 2,000 global participants. Attendees will include government officials, CEOs, institutional investors, mining operators, EV manufacturers, and global financial institutions. The event will feature bilateral investment dialogues, exclusive market outlook sessions, and policy roundtables. With Indonesia being one of the largest producers of strategic minerals, the summit is positioned as a pivotal forum to explore how nations and industries can cooperate to ensure ethical sourcing, resilience, and equitable growth in mineral value chains.

Mineral Riches: Nickel, Tin & Bauxite DominanceIndonesia’s mineral endowment is staggering. The country sits atop the global hierarchy as the #1 producer of nickel, a core component in lithium-ion batteries – and is ranked #2 in tin and #6 in bauxite production. These minerals are essential in everything from semiconductors and EVs to solar panels and aerospace. The roadmap outlines strategic goals to increase domestic refining capacity and limit raw exports, ensuring that Indonesia retains more value from its natural assets. By investing in industrial zones, refining hubs, and training programs, the government plans to nurture local industries that transform raw ore into high-value components for global use.

Economic Aspirations: Exports, GDP & EmploymentThe roadmap lays out a bold set of economic goals to be achieved by 2040. The government projects $857.9 billion in cumulative mineral exports, a $235.9 billion contribution to the nation’s GDP, and the creation of 3 million new jobs across mining, refining, logistics, and technology sectors. Among its targets is complete self-sufficiency in construction-grade steel and full domestic demand fulfillment for rare earth metal oxides. This strategy aligns with President Joko Widodo’s broader industrial policy of “downstreaming”, a national agenda to keep more value within Indonesia’s borders and reduce dependence on raw material exports.

Investment Surge: Downstream Development Gains MomentumSince 2020, Indonesia has witnessed a dramatic 152% increase in foreign and domestic investment in its minerals, metals, and equipment sectors. In 2024 alone, downstream investments rose 8.63%, a testament to investor confidence in Indonesia’s regulatory reforms and infrastructure projects. Major multinational corporations, including CATL, Tesla, Hyundai, and Vale, have expressed interest or already committed capital toward smelting facilities and battery manufacturing plants in regions like Sulawesi, North Maluku, and Kalimantan. The roadmap outlines further incentives including tax holidays, green permits, and land support to attract $498.4 billion of critical mineral investments alone by 2040.

Fastmarkets’ Pivotal Role in Catalyzing Global CooperationFastmarkets, known for organizing the world’s largest lithium and battery metals forums, is leveraging its industry networks to turn Bali into a hub for international cooperation. “Indonesia plays a pivotal role in the future of the global energy transition,” said Raju Daswani, CEO of Fastmarkets. He stressed the company’s commitment to fostering a marketplace where price discovery, sustainability metrics, and investment trends converge. With sessions focused on real-time market data, ESG benchmarks, and supply chain innovations, the summit aims to set new industry standards for transparency and inclusivity.

Ministerial Vision: Stewardship of Industrial TransformationMinister Roeslani, Indonesia’s Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry and Chairman of BKPM, is leading the charge on this ambitious agenda. He also heads the Daya Anagata Nusantara Investment Management Agency (Danantara), which oversees strategic funds for industrial development. “Indonesia welcomes international collaboration that supports our national downstreaming strategy,” he said. Under his leadership, the country has already implemented export bans on unrefined nickel and copper, pushing companies to build smelters and refineries locally. His vision includes integrating green technologies into mineral extraction and expanding skill development programs to ensure inclusive economic benefits.

Global Resonance: Summit to Shape Resilient Supply ChainsThe summit will also tackle global supply chain fragilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical crises. Sessions will explore alternative trade corridors, regional partnerships, and digital transparency tools. Countries such as the United States, China, Germany, Japan, and Australia are expected to send delegations, each eyeing Indonesia’s minerals as critical to their national energy agendas. The inclusion of ESG metrics, social license protocols, and indigenous land-use policies marks a shift towards more conscientious development. As the global demand for clean energy minerals surges, Indonesia’s proactive approach could serve as a model for other resource-rich nations.

Key Takeaways

• Indonesia’s $618 billion roadmap aims to position the country as a top global supplier of critical minerals, with $498.4 billion coming from strategic mineral investments.

• The 2025 Bali summit will bring together global stakeholders to discuss sustainable supply chains, policy frameworks, and investment strategies in EV, solar, & steel industries.

• Indonesia targets $857.9 billion in mineral exports and 3 million new jobs by 2040, driven by its top rankings in nickel, tin, and bauxite, and aggressive downstream policies.