Friday, February 28, 2025, the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (INDEF) initiated a National Seminar themed “Strengthening the Capacity of Regional Governments in Managing Important Minerals for an Inclusive Economy and Green Industrialization” at the Mercure Sabang Hotel, Central Jakarta. This event took place from 08.30 to 11.30 WIB and could also be followed online through the platform provided. The seminar was opened by Mr. Eko Listiyanto, Director of Big Data Development at INDEF, who highlighted the importance of the role of regional governments in managing minerals as part of a sustainable economic strategy. After that, the event continued with a keynote speech session by Mr. Abdul Ghofur, Director of Mass Organizations, Directorate General of Polpum, Ministry of Home Affairs. In his presentation, he explained the central government’s programs under the leadership of President Prabowo, especially Asta Cita 2 which emphasizes strengthening the nation’s defense system and independence through self-sufficiency in food, energy, water, green, creative, and blue economy. In addition, he also discussed Asta Cita 5 which focuses on downstreaming and industrialization to increase added value domestically.
Presentation of Souvenirs from INDEF to Mr. Abdul Ghofur (Director of Mass Organizations, Directorate General of Polpum, Ministry of Home Affairs)
After the opening session and keynote speech, the event continued with a discussion session moderated by Annisa Utami, INDEF Researcher. The discussion presented two main speakers, namely Mirah Midadan Fahmid, member of Committee II DPD RI, and Siska Barimbing, researcher of Seknas FITRA. In her presentation, Mirah Midadan Fahmid emphasized the urgency of critical mineral management for the regional economy. She highlighted the need for active involvement of local governments in every process of mineral development and management so that the impact is more inclusive for the surrounding community, so that there is no social and economic inequality. Meanwhile, Siska Barimbing highlighted the phenomenon of massive mining exploitation in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), where local communities actually have difficulty accessing clean water due to the inequality of resource management. She also highlighted the limited authority of local governments in managing class A and B minerals, which hinders sustainable and equitable management efforts for the community.
Chair of INDEF, Esther Sri Astuti, S.A., Ph.D. while delivering her presentation
Next, the Chairperson of INDEF, Esther Sri Astuti, S.A., Ph.D., who is also a lecturer in the Economics Study Program at Diponegoro University, highlighted the importance of ensuring that regional potential in the mining and mineral sector is not only exploited, but also provides real benefits to the region. She expressed her concerns about the phenomenon of deindustrialization, where the contribution of the industrial sector to the regional economy is decreasing. This, according to her, could be caused by the low productivity of the regional workforce and the limited use of machines and technology that are still behind. In the future, she hopes that mining management can prioritize the use of green technology so that resource exploitation does not damage the environment, while improving the welfare of the local community.
This seminar is an important forum for various stakeholders to discuss challenges and strategies in mineral management, with the hope that local governments can strengthen their role in realizing a more inclusive economy and green industrialization in Indonesia.
