President Joko Widodo, Wednesday (30/11), said the government would appeal the decision on the trade dispute which he said was in favor of the European Union. The state block is suing Indonesia over the nickel ore export ban policy that was implemented in 2020.
Jokowi emphasized that the World Trade Organization (WTO) decision would not hinder the government’s commitment to process more mineral raw materials domestically. He himself has also ordered his cabinet to appeal.
“Even though we lost at the WTO, we lost because the nickel issue was sued by the European Union and brought to the WTO, we lost. No nothing to lose. I will convey to the minister, appeal,” Jokowi said.
President Jokowi. (Photo: Secretariat Bureau)
The European Union filed a lawsuit against the WTO regarding the policy of banning the export of Indonesian nickel ore. They say the restrictions unfairly limit the stainless steel producer’s access to nickel in particular, and other commodities.
The WTO has not yet announced its decision in this manner. The organization set up a panel to oversee disputes between the European Union and Indonesia in April 2021 and its final report is slated for release in the final quarter of 2022, according to the Geneva-based body’s website.
Jokowi appealed to the Indonesian people to stop exports of raw materials and emphasized that exports of other unprocessed minerals such as bauxite would also be stopped.
“Look for investors, so that investment goes there, so there is added value like nickel,” he said.
Indonesia was the world’s largest nickel exporter before banning ore exports to attract foreign investors to develop nickel smelters and downstream industries on land. China is becoming a significant source of investment.
“We also want to progress, our country wants to be a developed country. We want to create jobs. If we are sued we are afraid, we will not back down; yes, we will not become a developed country,” said Jokowi. [ah/rs]
