Indonesia has signaled an interest in working with the United States on critical mineral supply chains, but on condition that the investment must flow into the country.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia said that the U.S. has expressed interest in accessing Indonesia’s critical minerals as part of ongoing discussions on reciprocal trade tariffs. However, he emphasized that Indonesia will only move forward if the U.S. brings direct investment into its domestic mining and processing ecosystem.

“I told them we’re open to it − just like we are with other countries. But the U.S. must bring in investors. I’ll prepare the mining sites, but the business terms will be the same as with others,” Bahlil said on the sidelines of the International Battery Summit on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

According to Ministerial Decree No. 296.K/MB.01/MEM.B/2023, nickel is classified as a critical mineral. Indonesia has already developed a number of downstream nickel projects, including partnerships with South Korea and China, aimed at producing electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

Bahlil reiterated that Indonesia welcomes cooperation with all nations in managing critical minerals.

“Not just America − even Africa, Europe, any country. If there’s interest in building an EV battery ecosystem in Indonesia, I will personally support it without favoritism,” he said.

He clarified that Indonesia does not grant special treatment to any country. The government is open to working with serious partners interested in mutually beneficial business collaborations.

“We are waiting for those who are ready to invest. What’s important is good-faith intention to build profitable partnerships between Indonesia and its partners,” he added.

Previously, the Indonesian Investment Management Agency (Danantara) began exploratory discussions with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (IDFC), Washington’s government-owned development finance institution. The talks aim to facilitate investment in Indonesia’s critical minerals and energy sectors.

Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto confirmed that the IDFC-Danantara discussions are part of Indonesia’s broader effort to strengthen its strategic investment ecosystem.

“There are already talks between Danantara and the IDFC to fund investments in the critical minerals sector. This shows Indonesia is open to investment from any country, including the United States,” Airlangga said during a joint press conference between Indonesia and the U.S. in Jakarta on July 24, 2025.

He further highlighted that this openness aligns with Indonesia’s global cooperation agenda. For example, the European Union has gained access to Indonesia’s mineral sector via the French state-owned firm Eramet, and the U.S. through Freeport.

“This is what the EU also requested − access through their state-owned company Eramet. The same applies to the U.S. through Freeport,” Airlangga noted.