LARANGAN EKSPOR NIKEL INDONESIA: ANTARA HILIRISASI INDUSTRI DAN SENGKETA PERDAGANGAN INTERNASIONAL

Abstract

Indonesia, as one of the countries with the largest nickel reserves globally, has enforced a ban on the export of raw nickel ore since the enactment of Law No. 4 of 2009 on Mineral and Coal Mining. This policy is designed to promote the domestic downstream development of the nickel industry, enhance the added value of commodities, and strengthen Indonesia’s competitiveness in the global market. However, it has been met with controversy, particularly following a EU complaint, which asserts that the policy contravenes the GATT, SCM Agreement, and the CEPA by restricting access to essential raw materials, particularly for the steel industry. Despite international objections, Indonesia has remained steadfast in upholding the policy, anticipating that it will accelerate the development of downstream industries, particularly within the electric vehicle sector. This study examines the legal foundations of the policy, its impact on domestic economic sovereignty, and the implications of the ruling by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body (DSB). The findings indicate that the downstream policy has facilitated the growth of Indonesia’s nickel industry and increased exports of processed nickel products, albeit with persistent challenges in aligning national policies with international trade regulations.