President assures investors as Indonesia launches major nickel projects and EV battery exports.
Indonesia is reinforcing its message to foreign investors as President Prabowo Subianto pairs a public commitment to investment protection with another major expansion of the country’s nickel-processing industry.
Prabowo Pledges to Protect Investments
President Prabowo Subianto said on October 8 that Indonesia is committed to respecting and safeguarding investments regardless of their country of origin. Speaking at an industrial event in Weda Bay, North Maluku, he said protecting partnerships with investors was a commitment of his government and described supporting business partners as a matter of national honor.
Weda Bay Projects Attract Billions
Prabowo made the remarks while launching commercial operations for four nickel facilities and construction of six additional projects at an industrial park in Weda Bay. Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani said the four completed projects were worth US$3.4 billion, while the six new projects are expected to require another US$6.8 billion.
Business Concerns Remain Over New Policies
The investment assurance comes as some businesses have raised concerns about Indonesia’s recent mining policies. Chinese companies operating in the country warned in a letter earlier this year that tighter mining quotas, higher taxes, and a new pricing formula were increasing costs and could threaten investment. These concerns represent the companies’ position rather than evidence that investment has already declined.
Nickel Industry Remains Strategically Important
Indonesia holds the world’s largest nickel ore reserves and accounts for around 60% of global nickel product supply, according to government data cited in both reports. The value of Indonesia’s nickel exports increased from US$3.3 billion in 2017 to more than US$33 billion by 2024. The country banned raw nickel exports in 2020 to encourage domestic processing.
First EV Battery Exports Launched
At the same Weda Bay ceremony, Prabowo also launched Indonesia’s first exports of electric vehicle batteries. The milestone connects the government’s investment message with its continuing push to develop downstream industries around the country’s nickel resources rather than relying mainly on raw mineral exports.
For Indonesians, Prabowo’s commitment places investment protection alongside the continued expansion of nickel processing and EV battery production. For Singaporean businesses and investors with interests in Indonesia, the announcement provides a current signal of Jakarta’s stated intention to protect foreign investment even as mining regulations continue to draw concerns from some industry players.
Sources: CNA (2026) , Kontan (2026)
Keywords: Indonesia Foreign Investment, Prabowo Investment Policy, Weda Bay Nickel, Indonesia EV Batteries, Chinese Investment Indonesia, Nickel Industry
