Strengthening Dialogue on Environmental and Social Practices in the Mining Sector in Indonesia

Together in Jakarta, they held the final presentation of their joint technical assistance on the environmental and social aspects of nickel mining in Indonesia.

This activity is part of the Indonesia Energy Transition Facility (IETF) programme, a €14.7 M grant for technical assistance, co-financed by AFD and the European Union (EU), and implemented by AFD under the Global Gateway. The Global Gateway is the EU's positive offer to boost clean and secure investments around the world.

This event marks the conclusion of the activities launched in 2025, including a technical seminar on international best practices for responsible mining and a predictive mapping of nickel resources in Southeast Sulawesi integrating environmental and social exclusion zones based on Indonesian legislation.

Indonesia holds some of the world’s largest reserves of nickel and cobalt — minerals essential for the global energy transition. As demand for these critical resources continues to rise, Indonesia plays a central role in supplying the materials needed for a low-carbon future. In this context, AFD supports DG Minerba to develop responsible mining practices, ensuring that the energy transition is just, inclusive, and sustainable.

The seminar brought together around thirty participants from DG Minerba, Badan Geologi, the Ministries of Environment and Forestry, and civil society organisations. Discussions focused on regulatory frameworks, international benchmarks, and the practical integration of environmental and social considerations into mining planning, licensing, and oversight processes, fostering a constructive inter-institutional dialogue.

“AFD’s ambition is to support a just and sustainable energy transition through an integrated approach across the entire value chain. Sustainable mining is a cornerstone of this vision: from extraction to downstream development, environmental and social considerations must be fully embedded from the outset. Through this partnership with BRGM and MEMR, we are proud to accompany Indonesia in strengthening responsible mining practices with internationally recognized expertise,” said Yann Martres, Director of the AFD Agency in Jakarta.

“The European Union supports Indonesia’s pursuit of best practices in mining, including alignment with international standards to mitigate social and environmental risks and improve competitiveness. The Indonesia Energy Transition Facility is paving the way for clean investments in Indonesia – an EU priority under the Global Gateway” said H.E. Denis Chaibi, EU Ambassador to Indonesia.

“France welcomes Indonesia’s ambition to strengthen downstreaming and local value addition in its mining sector. Drawing on its long-standing experience in mining governance and industrial development, France is committed to supporting Indonesia in building a responsible, clean and competitive mining industry.” said Fabien Penone, Ambassador of France to Indonesia.

“Measuring environmental and social impacts should not be seen as a constraint, but as a strategic decision-making tool. It helps steer mining projects toward more sustainable options, limiting risks and maximizing benefits for all stakeholders,” stated Olivier Frézot, Asia Director at BRGM.

“The aim of the three days seminar is to produce a public policy brief for DG Minerba to support Indonesian authorities in securing mining planning while balancing economic development, energy transition needs, and the protection of ecosystems and local communities. The rapid expansion of mining activities justifies the establishment of mining exclusion zones and robust territorial governance instruments,” said Pak Dedi Supriyanto, Coordinator for Investment Development and Cooperation, DG Minerba, MEMR.

This activity reflects Team Europe’s broader commitment to Indonesia under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and its support to public policies promoting responsible mining, environmental protection, climate resilience, and local value creation. By strengthening dialogue and institutional capacity, this partnership contributes to building a more sustainable mining sector aligned with global climate and development objectives.

About AFD

 Agence Française de Développement (AFD) implements France’s policy on international development and solidarity. Through its financing of NGOs and the public sector, as well as its research and publications, AFD supports and accelerates transitions towards a fairer, more resilient world. It also provides training in sustainable development (at AFD Campus) and other awareness-raising activities in France. 

With our partners, we are building shared solutions with and for the people of the Global South. Our teams are at work on more than 4,000 projects in the field, in the French Overseas Departments and Territories, in 115 countries and in regions in crisis. We strive to protect global public goods – promoting a stable climate, biodiversity and peace, as well as gender equality, education and healthcare. In this way, we contribute to the commitment of France and the French people to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Towards a world in common.

afd.fr/en

 About the EU

 European Union (EU) – The EU is a political and economic union of 27 Member States. Together, the EU has built a zone of stability, democracy and sustainable development while maintaining cultural diversity, tolerance and individual freedom. The EU is the world’s largest trading bloc, and the world’s largest source and destination of foreign direct investment. 

The 27 Member States of the EU are: Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden.

“Global Gateway” is the EU's positive offer to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems. The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions. Together, we have mobilised more than €300 billion in public and private investments over the last 5 years, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.