Indonesia Could Export Critical Minerals to the US, Bahlil Responds

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia affirmed that the government is opening up investment opportunities for US companies, particularly in the development of critical minerals in Indonesia.

According to him, the government will encourage and provide as much space as possible if US investors want to build processing and refining facilities (smelters) in Indonesia, including for nickel. This is the same as what has been provided to other countries.

However, Bahlil emphasized that this policy should not be interpreted as opening up exports for raw minerals. His side remains committed to implementing a domestic downstreaming policy.

“So, don’t interpret this as us opening up exports of raw materials, no. What is meant here is that after they have carried out refining, the results can be exported. Let’s make this clear so that there is no misinterpretation,” said Bahlil in a virtual press conference, some time ago, quoted on Friday (26/2/2026).

Bahlil revealed that in the context of obtaining mining areas, the government will subsequently offer a number of areas to US companies that are interested in entering, and then facilitate the process according to the applicable mechanisms.

“And I have done mapping of locations that are prospective because we also have to maintain the good relationship that we already have,” he added.