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Ciyong Zou, Deputy to the Director General and Managing Director of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development, delivered opening remarks at the Indonesia Critical Minerals Conference & Expo 2026. Mr. Zou noted that with the rapid development of clean energy and digital industries, global demand for critical minerals continues to rise. The role of resource-rich countries in ensuring stable mineral supply has become increasingly vital. Indonesia's transition from raw material extraction to deep processing can serve as a reference for resource-rich countries in the Global South. He noted that Indonesia intends to join forces with partners from all sectors to fully tap the potential of industrial development.

Nanan Soekarna, Chairman of the Indonesia Nickel Miners Association (APNI), stated in his remarks that the Indonesia Critical Minerals Conference & Expo 2026 achieved the largest attendance ever, showcasing the global industry's full confidence in Indonesia's mineral industry, cross-border cooperation models, and Indonesia's sustainable mining development strategy. He noted that the core of critical minerals industry development has shifted from mere competition over resources and capacity to sustainable value transformation of natural resources, balancing economic, social, and environmental benefits. Indonesia's commitment to downstream industry chain extension aims to enhance industrial added value and establish an international industry brand and build global market credibility.

According to Arif Havas Oegroseno, Vice Minister of Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, critical minerals have increasingly become a focal point of global geopolitical competition, with energy, minerals, trade rules, and other elements being weaponized from time to time. Indonesia has been vigorously advancing downstream processing of minerals. This strategy goes beyond industrial upgrading — it is a comprehensive development initiative that boosts employment, strengthens scientific and technological innovation capabilities, enhances industry chain resilience, and ensures the benefits of green development are broadly shared.