Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs is currently looking for a country that wants to become an investor in rare earth commodities, which has recently been much discussed. Because the rare earth or rare earth is said to be a raw material for making weapons.
Maritime and Investment Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said he had offered to countries ready to become investors, such as the United States (US). At present the investor who is ready is China. However, in order to maintain the investment climate in Indonesia, he was reluctant to submit to the country.
“This is indeed our dilemma, because rare earth is the most widely produced in China, America itself is banned by China too. It is also a loss. Now the fastest investor is China, now if we all love China, then all will be mentally challenged,” said Luhut in discussion, Saturday, (07/25/2020).
Therefore, Luhut is currently looking for other investors besides China, so that other countries have the opportunity to develop this rare land. “So we are maintaining equilibrium, we are looking for investors, do we want America, we try or something else,” he explained.
According to him, looking for investors is not as simple as others see and think. But it must also be compatible with our national interests.
“So we have to look at our national interest, not just to accept people coming in for investment, not so the story. There is a calculation of our strategy, geopolitical considerations before deciding on it and how much we will give, we will not give it all,” he said.
The proposal to use rare earth as material for weapons is the result of discussions between the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan with Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto.
This rare earth is commonly found in areas that produce tin, such as in Bangka Belitung. When it was confirmed to the Governor of Bangka Belitung Erzaldi Rosma Djohan, he claimed to have met with Prabowo about the great potential of this rare earth.
“These are minerals that have great potential for the resilience of our country,” Erzaldi said when he was met at the Constitutional Court (MK) building, Jakarta, Friday (07/10/2020).
Not stopping there, he claimed that Prabowo had discussed the great potential of rare earth with President Joko Widodo. “Alhamdulillah, with Mr. Prabowo, we have followed up with the President and we will wait for the policy from the government,” said Erzaldi.
-(HPS / HPS)
