As the Indonesian province of Southeast Sulawesi transitions into an industrial hub, driven by the burgeoning nickel industry, the region faces a dilemma. Will local communities benefit from this mineral wealth, or will they be left behind?
Indonesia has doubled down on downstreaming – the processing of raw nickel locally – but now it must deliver on development needs to stay competitive and keep communities on side.
Our visit and interviews with local communities and stakeholders last year highlighted that this remains possible, despite the limited effect on rates of poverty and employment that nickel downstreaming has had so far.
Nickel extraction in Southeast Sulawesi holds…