This is Our Resource, We Fight Back: Expert Says on Indonesia's Lost in WTO Nickel Lawsuit

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Energy Watch executive director Mamit Setiawan said Indonesia has no need to be concerned despite having lost the lawsuit against the nickel export ban policy at the World Trade Organization, or WTO. The country, he added, also doesn't need to worry about the long-term impact of this decision.

"This is our natural resource. Why should we be afraid of them? We fight back," Mamit told Tempo on Saturday, November 26.

He also asked investors planning to enter Indonesia not to worry, as the WTO decision is not final. This means that the government still has a chance to fight back by filing an appeal.

Mamit said he fully supports the Energy Ministry's decision not to accept the decision quietly and asked him to immediately coordinate with related parties to take the next step.

Mamit said that nickel as a natural resource is Indonesia's pride, which is very much needed for the energy transition. "This is the product of our land. Why should we obey rules that are harming us? Just because we are only a developing country, it doesn't mean we should be pressured," he remarked, stressing that the European Union must act fairly.

"If they want our nickel, then they should invest in Indonesia."

Currently, Mamit continued, even though 90 percent of nickel mines are controlled by China, the multiplier effect for Indonesia can be seen. For example the economic growth in provinces and regencies that produce nickel. The industry is also absorbing a huge number of workers.

Last week, Energy Minister Arifin Tasrif said that the government would submit an appeal because he assessed that the decision of the WTO panel did not yet have a permanent decision.

"There is still an opportunity for an appeal and there is no need to change regulations or even revoke policies that are not in accordance before the dispute decision is adopted by the DSB," Arifin said in a meeting with the DPR's Commission VII on November 21.

Riri Rahayu

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