Indonesia-US Critical Mineral Agreement

Background

The critical mineral agreement between Indonesia and the US has the potential to strengthen Indonesia's trade surplus. However, the benefits will only be optimal if the agreement is implemented fairly and provides real benefits to the national economy.

Economist's Opinion

Economist Wijayanto Samirin stated that the US's access to Indonesia's critical minerals and rare earth metals is a good opportunity, as long as the agreement is fair and provides optimal benefits to Indonesia. He reminded the government to learn from the experience of nickel management and downstreaming policies that have not yet fully provided maximum benefits to the national economy.

Implications of the Agreement

The agreement needs to consider the experience of nickel management and downstreaming policies that have not yet fully provided maximum benefits to the national economy. A fair agreement that provides real benefits to the national economy should be a priority.