Russian Aluminium Company to Develop Bauxite Downstreaming in Kalimantan, Bahlil: Permits are Almost Final!

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlical Lahadalia, has stated that the renowned Russian aluminium company, UC Rusal, will undertake a project to downstream bauxite into alumina and construct its factory in Kalimantan.

Regarding its implementation, Bahlil confirmed that the licensing process for the project is now nearing its final stage.

“They will develop the downstream processing of bauxite into alumina in the Kalimantan region. As for the licensing matters, it is almost at the final stage,” said Bahlil at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in Jakarta, Thursday, 11 September 2026.

In executing this downstream project, Bahlil ensured that Rusal will also collaborate with domestic entrepreneurs. However, he declined to disclose the names of the local businessmen involved.

“We are indeed conducting collaborations. Therefore, they are entering into partnerships with domestic entrepreneurs,” he added.

It is noted that President Prabowo previously revealed UC Rusal’s plan to open a processing plant in Indonesia. During the Eastern Economic Forum held in Vladivostok, Russia, on Thursday, 3 September 2026, Prabowo also mentioned another project signed between an Indonesian fertiliser company and a major Russian firm. Both parties will develop a gas-based fertiliser production project in the Russian Far East. However, Prabowo did not provide specific details regarding the nature of the project or the names of the two companies involved.