It is our right.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has said that the nation must refuse to export raw minerals, coal, and other natural resources although the World Trade Organization (WTO) would likely slam such a policy.

He made the remarks while briefing the participants of the Indonesian National Resilience Institute’s education programs at the State Palace, Jakarta on Wednesday.

"Mineral and coal must drive the advancement of our country. After stopping the exports of nickel, we will stop bauxite exports later. We should not export raw materials anymore," he remarked. His speech was broadcast by the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel.

"We must dare to stop exports. It is alright although we may get sued at WTO. These are our nickels -- they are our goods. That is the reason we want to build a factory here to manufacture our own goods. It is our right," he asserted.

Indonesia has prohibited nickel exports since January 2020 through the Ministerial Regulation of Energy and Mineral Resources Number 11/2019 on the Second Amendment to the Ministerial Regulation of Energy and Mineral Resources Number 25/2018 regarding Mineral and Coal Mining.

The same policy can also be enforced for oil palm commodities, Jokowi noted.

He said he plans that someday, Indonesia will stop exporting crude palm oil and use it to manufacture cosmetics, biodiesel, and other derivatives products instead.

Furthermore, he affirmed that Indonesia would be ready to face any challenge regarding the ‘no export’ policy.

"If someone sues us, we will deal with it. Don't back down. This is our opportunity to integrate our big industries and it will not come twice," he emphasized.

Moreover, the President said that the government would hire top-class international lawyers to face potential claims.

"We have to be courageous. We will prepare everything to realize our plan," he added.

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Translator: Rangga Jingga, Uyu Liman
Editor: Sri Haryati
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