M. Rizki Yusrial, Abdul Manan, Jakarta – Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, in his dissertation, stated that the planning of nickel downstream in Indonesia is still partial. This harms the environment and the quality of life of local communities in nickel-producing areas.
The General Chairman of the Golkar Party claimed to have conducted research directly in areas such as Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi, and the PT Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park location in Central Halmahera Regency, North Maluku Province.
Bahlil explained that the development of the nickel industrial area in Morowali started in 2012 and rapidly increased in 2016. Up to now, there is no industrial area worked on in parallel as in Morowali. 'This is a new thing once and is ongoing until now. We know that the condition is not very good,' he said.
Bahlil stated that this is something new. The planning is not yet optimal, thus negatively impacting the surrounding community's environment and quality of life.
The government is trying to enforce regulations. However, more clarity still needs to be in determining the right steps to implement these rules. 'So it's like a newborn child. When a newborn falls, it's normal. But if it keeps falling, that's not good,' he said.
The former Minister of Investment also mentioned that the issues arising from downstream are mistakes shared by the government and the market. However, he said that dwelling on the past has no merit. Instead, improvements should be made immediately.
'When we were at the Ministry of Investment, we have set standards. He said that the standard must be the same as in Weda Bay while we improve what is in Morowali.
Several issues can be identified from this nickel downstream, including community health issues. Bahlil's findings show that 54 percent of people in Morowali Regency experience respiratory health problems such as Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI).
Bahlil Lahadalia officially obtained his doctorate after attending an Open Session held by the Strategic and Global Studies at the University of Indonesia, Depok, on October 16, 2024. His dissertation is titled 'Policies, Institutions, and Governance of Fair and Sustainable Nickel Downstreaming in Indonesia'.