Indonesia is tightening state control over its nickel reserves, which account for about 60% of global supply, aiming to anchor a domestic electric-vehicle industry even as global EV makers shift toward nickel-lite battery chemistries. The government has cracked down on illegal mining and plantation operations, seizing millions of hectares and imposing fines, while much of Indonesia’s nickel production remains heavily dependent on Chinese investment and coal-powered smelters, causing deforestation, emissions, and social impacts. Despite early attempts to build a domestic EV battery industry with foreign partners, projects have underperformed, and even full-scale EV production would consume less than 1% of national nickel output. Market shifts toward lithium iron phosphate batteries and declining nickel demand challenge Indonesia’s initial strategy, though the country remains central to global supply chains for EV and strategic metals. Analysts note that Jakarta’s nationalisation efforts may give it leverage to attract U.S. investment while balancing its deep economic ties to China, leaving the country in a delicate position between the two superpowers.Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/business/indonesia-tightens-control-on-nickel-as-us-and-china-scramble-for-critical-minerals (ICE GIACARTA)

Fonte notizia: Jakarta Globe, 18 February 2026