For example the tobacco industry. In this industry, there is an innovation of technology, namely alternative tobacco that is capable to help smoker for switching to the lower risk products. Based on research and science, this innovation results an investment. Philip Morris Internationa through its affiliation PT HM Sampoerna Tbk in 2021 announced investment of USD166.1 million (Rp2.3 trillion) to build its production facility for heated-tobacco product.
The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Head of the Relations Agency of the Law Enforcement, Defense and Security, Bambang Soesatyo (Bamsoet), also announced that JTA International Holding, an investment company based in Qatar, announced an investment in the nickel smelter industry in Indonesia on Wednesday (20/04/2022).
The announcement is based on the research data of the US Geological Survey that projects the Indonesia's nickel reserves to reach 21 million metric tons, or about 40% of the world's nickel stays in Indonesia.
The investment presence that is supported by relevant research data, Bamsoet, who is also the Chairman of the MPR, said, this matter was in line with the Indonesian determination to become a major player in the battery producer ecosystem in the world.
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Indonesia has established the Indonesia Battery Corporation (IBC), a holding formed by four state-owned enterprises, namely PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminum (Inalum), PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (Antam), PT Pertamina, and PT PLN.
The government has actually realized the importance of the innovation and technology development based on research for nickel smelters because they are related to the environment and sustainability business.
Based on this matter, in the middle of 2021 the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) together with the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment reported the results of a technology audit conducted on the Step Temperature Acid Leach (STAL) method for leaching process.
As a result, this method is capable to recover nickel from 89% to 91% and cobalt from 90% to 94%. This method is said to be capable to provide added value for nickel commodities when it is applied in the small-scale or modular smelters.
