Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto launched 11 downstream nickel projects worth US$10.2 billion, or Rp180 trillion, at the Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park in Central Halmahera, North Maluku.
The industrial push began on October 8, 2026. It includes newly commercialized facilities and the construction of fresh processing plants.
The development focuses on supporting infrastructure. This includes modular worker camps, project offices, and dining facilities at the remote site.
“Today we are launching the inaugural export of electric vehicle batteries. We are also launching 11 downstreaming projects, consisting of the commercialization of 4 industrial projects and the start of construction for 7 new industrial projects in this area, the Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park,” said Prabowo, as reported by Suara.
Prabowo spoke at the launch event about managing domestic mineral wealth. “Kita menyadari bahwa Tuhan Yang Maha Kuasa telah memberi kepada kita anugerah kekayaan alam yang sangat bernilai dan sangat besar. Tapi kekayaan alam tersebut harus mampu kita kelola dengan baik sehingga dapat memberi manfaat kesejahteraan dan kemakmuran bagi rakyat dan bangsa kita,” he said, according to Jpnn.
The 11 projects span sectors of the electric vehicle and renewable energy supply chains. According to a Suara report, the initiative covers battery production, aluminum processing, and electrical equipment.
“This ranges from nickel-based battery materials, then battery manufacturing, aluminum electrolyte, to electric-based heavy equipment that has been completed,” said Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, Minister of Investment and Downstreaming as well as CEO of Danantara, as cited by Suara.
The projects target nickel-based battery materials and battery separators. They also include electronic components and two aluminum electronics processing plants.
Other projects involve electric heavy equipment for mining, industrial trucks, and photovoltaic glass manufacturing. The park expansion presents technical challenges.
The site sits in a coastal region. Planners must account for salt exposure, which accelerates corrosion in steel components, fasteners, and external metal structures.
Modular building designs are under evaluation. They must integrate wall sealing, roof waterproofing, thermal insulation, and site drainage systems to ensure worker safety.
Industry observers analyze the economic impact. Feiral Rizky Batubara, Board Advisor to the Indonesia Renewable Energy Society (METI), said the strategy is an intervention in the global mineral economy.
The policy has attracted capital and expanded processing capacity. The goal is for the nation to transition from a primary processor to a technologically capable industrial hub.
Success will be measured by the extent to which the country fosters domestic innovation. It also depends on research collaboration and the upgrading of local suppliers rather than just the volume of processed minerals exported.
