Len ready to supply defence equipment components from mineral downstreaming
The next challenge is ensuring that these minerals do not remain mere commodities, but can be processed into advanced materials that yield high-value technology products.
PT Len Industri (Persero) has concretely begun utilising the output of domestic critical mineral downstreaming to produce and supply various components for primary weapons systems (alutsista) and high-value-added strategic defence technology.
President Director of PT Len Industri Joga Dharma Setiawan, in a statement issued in Bandung, West Java, on Friday, said the step was reinforced through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Advanced Materials Cooperation (Critical Minerals Downstreaming) between Len Industri, MIND ID, PT Krakatau Steel, and PT Perusahaan Mineral Nasional (Perminas).
The synergy of these four state-owned enterprises focuses downstreaming efforts no longer merely on processing commodity raw materials, but directly targets the development of advanced materials to supply the tactical manufacturing industry.
“Indonesia has enormous mineral resources. The next challenge is ensuring that these minerals do not stop as commodities, but can be processed into advanced materials that give birth to high-value technology products,” said Joga Dharma Setiawan.
As the parent of the Defend ID Defence Industry Holding, Len Industri is leveraging this advanced materials ecosystem to support state-of-the-art defence equipment production lines.
Several national strategic technology products now based on advanced materials include the Combat Management System (CMS), Multimission Radar, Ground Control Station (GCS) & AUTACS, Night Vision Goggles (NVG), Laser Point, and the SPRINT electric tactical vehicle.
Joga stressed that the success of the national downstreaming programme should now be measured by the domestic capability to produce technology products with a direct impact on the economy and national sovereignty.
Therefore, strengthening this ecosystem requires integrated synergy, from upstream mineral management and innovation research through to downstream manufacturing processes. Going forward, the development of this defence technology will also target the civilian sector through the application of dual-use technology.
“This is where collaboration between government, industry, universities, and research institutions becomes the key to building a strong and sustainable advanced materials ecosystem,” Joga added.