Indonesia's Vast Wealth: Numerous Treasures Discovered in the Sea
Indonesia is said to harbour a vast “treasure trove” at the ocean floor that holds potential as a key to the future of global energy. The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has revealed that deep-sea mineral wealth is increasingly strategic amid the world’s transition from fossil fuels to new renewable energy sources.
Senior Researcher at BRIN’s Centre for Geological Resources Research, Noor Cahyo Dwi Aryanto, stated that limitations on land-based mining resources and the rising demand for minerals in energy technology are driving exploration into the deep sea.
“The era of fossil fuels has reached its limit, and the world is now moving towards alternative energy based on minerals,” Cahyo said in his statement, quoted on Sunday (26/4/2026).
According to him, there are three main types of deposits that are the focus of global interest: polymetallic nodules, massive seafloor sulphides, and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts. In Indonesia, indications of these minerals have been found in several strategic areas, from Kawio Barat in the Sangihe region, Komba Ridge in Flores, to the waters of Jailolo in West Halmahera and the back-arc basin of the Banda Arc.
Cahyo disclosed that one significant finding comes from the Komba and Banda areas, where researchers discovered anomalies in seawater temperature that actually increase with depth. This phenomenon indicates the presence of an active hydrothermal system carrying high-value metal content.
The minerals identified in this system include copper, zinc, silver, and even gold—commodities highly needed to support future energy technologies, including batteries and clean energy infrastructure.
Although the potential is immense, deep-sea exploration is not easy to conduct. Cahyo explained that such activities require advanced technology like Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) to reach depths of thousands of metres.
Additionally, regulatory aspects pose their own challenges, particularly for areas in the high seas under the authority of the International Seabed Authority.
As a strategic step, Indonesia has prepared a roadmap for deep-sea mineral exploration up to 2030. This effort involves cross-institutional collaboration and strengthening national research capacity, including plans to acquire new research vessels.
Nevertheless, Cahyo emphasised that the utilisation of these resources must prioritise the principle of sustainability.
Deep-sea mineral exploration, in his view, is not just about pursuing economic potential but also about maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem to ensure its preservation for the future.