The development of investment realization in the downstream sector in Indonesia is on an increasing trend. One of the commodities that investors are interested in is nickel.
Throughout 2024, the realization of nickel downstream investment was Rp 153.2 trillion. Until the first quarter of 2025, the realization was recorded at Rp 47.82 trillion. This amount is the largest compared to downstream investment in other mineral commodities such as copper, bauxite, iron and steel, tin, and others.
The nickel industry is one of the investment mainstays that has a considerable multiplier effect. Based on the Indonesian Nickel Miners Association report in early July, from 2020 to the third quarter of 2024, the total investment realization in this industry reached Rp 514.8 trillion.
There are 194 companies engaged in this business, which are able to absorb around 193,000 workers. In the same period, the production capacity of the main component industry for making electric vehicle batteries was 44,959 KTPA.
With the resources it has, Indonesia already dominates the global market and can determine its own prices. In 2018, Indonesia only controlled 35 percent of the global market for nickel ore production. In 2024, its dominance has become 61 percent and is expected to be 73 percent in 2030.
The export value from the nickel industry in 2023 was 33.7 billion US dollars. The prospect of a continuously growing industry will increase its impact on the economy and society.
