President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said RI has alwaysexport raw materials for 350 years or since the time of the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (YOU).
“The most important thing about downstreaming is not to export raw materials until 350 years ago and not stop until now,” said Jokowi in the First Release of Smelting Grade Alumina, Tuesday (25/1).
Therefore, Jokowi stopped the export permits for raw materials in stages. The government has banned the export of nickel ore since January 1, 2020.
“If not (Stop exporting raw materials), since the VOC era until whenever it will be an exporter of raw materials, it will not be completed,” said Jokowi.
According to Jokowi, the export of raw materials will provide benefits for other countries. This is because the country can process raw materials and create jobs for many people.
“Let’s try to make an industry like this, we can get royalties, we get corporate and personal taxes, we get export costs, we get non-tax state revenues, everyone can,” said Jokowi.
Therefore, after nickel, Jokowi will stop bauxite exports in 2022. Then, the head of state will ban copper exports in 2023 and tin in 2024.
He admitted that he was not afraid of being reported to the World Trade Organization (WTO) by other countries for banning the export of raw materials. Currently, Indonesia itself has been sued to the WTO for banning the export of nickel ore.
“Nickel stops, we are now being sued at the WTO. Later, bauxite will stop, someone has to sue again, please sue us,” concluded Jokowi.
(fry / aud)
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