Jero Nima, an expert in critical minerals in Southeast Asia, and Putra Adhiguna, managing director at the Energy Shift Institute, delve into the intricate ties between Indonesia's vast nickel industry and global power dynamics. They explore how U.S. policies impact Indonesian nickel exports, particularly in light of China's dominant smelting role. The discussion highlights the urgent need for ethical resource governance, international collaboration for EV demand, and Indonesia's pivotal role in navigating these geopolitical challenges.

Putra Adhiguna, Managing Director at the Energy Shift Institute, discusses Indonesia's pivotal role in the global nickel industry, crucial for electric vehicle batteries. He explores the challenges posed by the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to curb China’s dominance in the supply chain. Adhiguna highlights Indonesia's regulatory hurdles and the urgent need for better governance to navigate environmental and ethical concerns. The conversation sheds light on the competition between the U.S. and China for transition minerals and what it means for Indonesia.