Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.   Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto announced that the newly established Mineral Industry Agency will prioritize the management of strategic minerals, particularly rare earth elements, which are in high global demand.

“Rare earth minerals are critical for industries worldwide. This agency will focus on extraction, protection, and industrial development,” he said at the Presidential Palace on Monday (26/8/2025), as reported by antaranews.com.

The Minister noted that rare earths are essential for producing magnets and batteries, components crucial not only for clean energy technologies but also for defense industries. 

“Almost every sector needs magnets, including defense,” he emphasized.

President Prabowo Subianto has appointed Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto as the agency’s first head, given its strong ties to research and scientific development. 

The agency’s creation also signified Indonesia’s commitment to advancing downstream mineral industries, alongside existing initiatives for nickel, bauxite, and copper.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)