Increased cooperation with foreign parties, especially China in the nickel industry, is often discussed. Also, former Vice President Jusuf Kalla criticized the large number of home workers China in a foundry project for processing nickel.
Reiterating the matter, Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investments Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said that this condition has gradually changed and could be verified directly on the ground.
“But now it happened gradually (moving to Indonesian workers). You see Morowali, you have seen more and more Indonesians lately,” Luhut said in Pomalaa, Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi on Sunday (11/27/2022).
Morowali is the location of one of the mines and processing smelters nickel in RI which is operated by PT Vale Indonesia Tbk. Not only in this locality, Vale Indonesia’s nickel industry is also developing in two other areas, namely, Sorowako, South Sulawesi and more recently, Pomalaa, Southeast Sulawesi.
Luhut explained that since there was no special education regarding the technology in the development of this nickel smelter, this project could not necessarily be done without the role of a third party who has a better understanding.
“It’s impossible, there’s no school, suddenly you have to give all Indonesians, it doesn’t make sense. But now it’s gradual, see Morowali,” Luhut said.
For this reason, Indonesian mining companies are collaborating with foreign parties in providing this technology as well as a means of educating Indonesian workers. Gradually, there will be outsourcing of the Indonesian workforce. Even in Vale Indonesia itself, Luhut said there were only 5 foreigners left.
“Vale has only 5 foreigners now,” he said.
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