Industry Minister Emphasises Strengthening Steel Industry Structure at IISIA Inauguration

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Industry Minister (Menperin) Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita emphasised the importance of strengthening the national steel industry’s structure at the inauguration of the board of The Indonesian Iron & Steel Industry Association (IISIA) for the 2026–2030 period in Jakarta on Friday.

His side, he said, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the steel industry as one of the strategic sectors supporting Indonesia’s economy.

According to him, IISIA, as an association representing domestic steel producers, is a strategic partner of the government in promoting the strengthening of the industrial structure, particularly in building a self-reliant, competitive, and sustainable steel industry.

“The government views IISIA as an important partner in strengthening the national steel industry. The new board is expected to be able to address global challenges while optimising strategic opportunities ahead,” the Industry Minister stated.

The Industry Minister also revealed that Indonesia currently ranks 13th in the world as a steel producer with production reaching around 19 million tonnes in 2025. Over the last six years, national steel production has grown consistently with an average growth rate of around 14% per year.

Nevertheless, the Industry Minister highlighted ongoing structural challenges, such as the low utilisation of the steel industry at around 52.7%, as well as deficits in intermediate and downstream products due to high imports of raw materials.

In addition, global pressures in the form of excess world steel capacity and potential dumping practices are also a serious concern for the government.