Luhut Asks KPK to Monitor Nickel Policies Downstream

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is reviewing nickel production policies in the downstream sector, following the prohibition on nickel ore exports. KPK spokesman Febri Diansyah said they were asked by Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan to supervise and monitor nickel downstreaming.

Luhut made the request after a surge in the monthly exports volume of nickel ores. If the past two months, there had been 100 to 130 monthly shipment, far above the normal volume of 30 shipments per month.

Febri said the KPK has held coordination meetings with the ministry to discuss the situation. Two meetings were held on October 24 and 25, and another is scheduled for today, October 31. 

Febri said the meeting stated that KPK's authority and domain were to conduct researches.  

According to Febri, studies on downstream nickel production leads to nickel processing in Indonesia—cross-checked with the need for smelters to see if it matches the provisions.

"All companies and related institutions must comply. This is what we have to disseminate further—and the standards must be set to preven rule-breaking," Febri said. 

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investments, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, said the government plans to temporarily stop ore nickel exports. The policy was placed in effect Tuesday, Oct. 29 until the two weeks before its permanent ban on January 2020.

Luhut said the policy was issued as there had been a surge of nickel shipment, "by almost three times of the quota," the minister said in Jakarta, Tuesday, October 29.

BISNIS | FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA