JAKARTA, Jun 3 (NNN-ANTARA) – Indonesia launched its first national environmental, social, and governance (ESG) forum, for the nickel industry yesterday, bringing together miners, policymakers, and investors to develop sustainable practices for the sector, critical to the global energy transition.
The Indonesia ESG Forum 2025, organised by the Indonesian Nickel Miners Association (APNI) with government support, aims to establish locally tailored ESG standards, as the country seeks to balance its dominant role in nickel production, with growing sustainability demands.
Indonesia, the world’s top nickel producer, faces increasing pressure from international markets, to improve mining practices. APNI Chairman, Nanan Soekarna, emphasised that, the forum marks a strategic shift towards responsible production. “As demand for clean-energy minerals surges, we must lead, not just in output, but in sustainability,” he said.
Industry leaders highlighted both progress and challenges. Muchtazar, head of sustainability at Nickel Industries Ltd, shared how ESG commitments helped his firm secure three billion U.S. dollars in investments over eight years, but noted the difficulty of meeting global standards in Indonesia’s developing economy. “We need homegrown ESG criteria that align with our realities.”
The forum drew strong government backing, with officials from the Ministry of National Development Planning and the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry pledging to integrate ESG principles into national policy. Moeldoko, head of Indonesia’s Electric Vehicle Industry Association, warned against repeating past mistakes. “We lost our edge in oil and forestry, we cannot let that happen with nickel.”
With the European Union and other key markets tightening sustainability rules, participants agreed on the need for enforceable standards.
As the world’s top nickel supplier, Indonesia’s ESG push could reshape supply chains for electric vehicle batteries and clean energy technologies. “This isn’t just about ethics, it’s about securing our future in the global market,” Soekarna said.– NNN-ANTARA
