On November 10, Septian Hario Seto, Executive Secretary of the National Economic Council of the Republic of Indonesia, delivered a presentation at Cornell University examining Indonesia’s value-added strategy for critical minerals. The event featured faculty respondents including Executive Director of the Tech Policy Institute Dr. James Patton Rogers.

Seto’s presentation focused on Indonesia’s approach to shifting from raw-ore extraction to higher-value manufacturing through export restrictions for nickel ore, domestic processing mandates, fiscal incentives, and strategic investment policies. Using nickel as a focal case, Seto presented evidence of rapid industrial capacity growth, the development of integrated industrial parks at Morowali and Weda Bay, movement up the value chain from ore to ferronickel, and a measurable shift in export composition toward processed products and EV-related inputs.

The presentation also addressed Indonesia’s strategic positioning within the current geoeconomic rivalry between China and Western countries, particularly the United States. Chinese firms have played a significant role in financing and operating Indonesian nickel processing projects, accelerating capacity growth and technology adoption. Seto explained Indonesia’s approach of prioritizing national interests while maintaining the country’s principle of an independent and active foreign policy. He also discussed ongoing government efforts to address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns.

Seto, a member of Indonesia’s National Economic Council, has held influential roles across key ministries since 2015, including positions at the Executive Office of the President, Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, and Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investments. His expertise spans capital raising, debt structuring, and strategic crisis management, with significant contributions to major infrastructure projects including the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail, Jabodebek LRT, and multiple airport and toll road developments.

This event was co-sponsored by the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Southeast Asia Program, and Cornell Energy Transition Initiative.

TPI continues to explore the intersection of technologies and global power dynamics. You can learn more about it here: https://publicpolicy.cornell.edu/btpi/research-hubs/geopolitics-and-technology/.