Gunbuster Nickel Industry refutes smelter collapse; production operations running normally
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – PT Gunbuster Nickel Industry (GNI) denies reports that its smelter operations have collapsed. Management confirms that production activities to date continue normally.
Vice Head of Department Operation GNI Eddy Hartono asserted that information about a shutdown of five production lines from a total of 20 lines is incorrect.
‘In relation to reports in several national media stating that PT Gunbuster Nickel Industry (GNI) has collapsed with the narrative “shutdown 5 lines out of 20 lines”, we hereby clarify that such information is not true and constitutes misinformation,’ Eddy Hartono said in a press statement received by Kompas.com on Wednesday (4/3/2026).
‘GNI is still carrying out operational activities normally. All production and operational activities are proceeding in accordance with plan and applicable standard operating procedures,’ he stated.
He explained that management of production lines in the nickel smelter industry is dynamic. The company can adjust the operation of several lines for maintenance, efficiency, or other technical considerations.
‘We should emphasise that production line management in the industry is dynamic and may be adjusted to operational needs, maintenance, and process efficiency. However, this should not be interpreted as a halt of overall company operations, let alone described as a collapse,’ he added.
Management regards unconfirmed reporting as potentially causing misunderstanding among the public and business partners. GNI reaffirmed its commitment to workplace safety and production stability in line with regulations.
‘PT GNI remains open to providing clarifications and explanations requested to ensure accurate and responsible information,’ he added.
APNI Secretary-General Meidy Katrin Lengkey stated that statements quoted by several media originated from a briefing at the Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO) discussion forum on 2 March 2026, not from a direct interview.
APNI confirmed that government set the nickel RKAB quota for 2026 at around 250 to 260 million tonnes through the Directorate General of Minerals and Coal, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
Regarding the three smelters, APNI noted that the stoppage of operations is not directly related to the RKAB policy. PT GNI is reported to be undertaking maintenance on five production lines in 2026. PT Huadi Nickel Alloy Indonesia halted production since late 2025. PT Wanxiang Nickel Indonesia halted several production lines since late 2025.