Septian Hario Seto (Executive Secretary of National Economic Council, Republic of Indonesia) will be joined on November 10, by moderator Jenny Goldstein (Global Development) and faculty respondents Vibha Kalra (Chemical + Biomolecular Engineering), James Rogers (Brooks School/Tech Policy Institute), and Esteban Gazel (Earth and Atmospheric Sciences).

Abstract: Indonesia’s value-added strategy for critical minerals—centered on export restrictions for nickel ore, domestic processing mandates, fiscal incentives, and a combination of investment and industrial policies—aims to shift the economy from raw-ore extraction to higher-value manufacturing. Using nickel as the focal case, the presentation will show evidence of success: a rapid build-out of industrial capacity for nickel processing; the emergence of industrial parks (e.g., Morowali and Weda Bay) that integrate power, logistics, and services; movement up the value chain from ore to ferronickel/NPI, stainless steel, and battery-grade intermediates (MHP, nickel sulfate); rising foreign direct investment with technology-transfer provisions; and a measurable shift in export composition toward processed products and EV-related inputs.

These gains are unfolding within a sharp geoeconomic rivalry. Chinese firms, which dominate processing capabilities for most critical minerals globally, have played a pivotal role in financing and operating Indonesian projects—accelerating capacity growth, technology adoption, and offtake in the early years. Therefore, this presentation also explains Indonesia’s strategy in responding to the geopolitical tension between China and Western countries, particularly the United States, by prioritizing national interests as the main reference point and maintaining the long-standing principle of an independent and active foreign policy. In addition, it will discuss the Government of Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to address key ESG issues, including tailings management, deforestation, and carbon emissions.

Bio: Septian Hario Seto is an accomplished economist and currently serves as a Member of the National Economic Council (DEN) of the Republic of Indonesia. Seto has played a key role in navigating complex financial strategies that drive critical development initiatives across both public and private sectors.

A graduate of the University of Indonesia with a BA in Economics in 2006 and SKEMA Business School in 2008, Seto began his career as an analyst at Principia Management Group before advancing to Corporate Finance Manager at PT Toba Bara Sejahtera. His exceptional performance in both roles led to his recruitment by the government, where he brought significant expertise in capital raising, debt structuring, and strategic crisis management.

Since 2015, he has held various influential roles as an Expert Staff across key ministries, including the Executive Office of the President, Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, and Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investments.

With a strong track record in the coal mining industry and nickel downstream processing, as well as significant contributions to major projects such as the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail, Jabodebek LRT, toll road development across Java and Sumatra, Kertajati International Airport, and Kediri Airport, Seto has demonstrated his dedication to supporting sustainable economic and infrastructure development at the national level.

Registration Required: In Person

Co-Sponsoring Units: Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Southeast Asia Program, Cornell Energy Transition Initiative