Jakarta, ThedailyID — PT Arsari Tambang plans to build a tin and rare earth elements (REE) research center in Bangka. The company aims to strengthen Indonesia’s mineral downstream industry and technology development.
President Director Aryo P. S. Djojohadikusumo announced the plan during the Met Connex 2026 mining and metallurgy forum at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JCC) on Tuesday, May 12.
Aryo said Indonesia urgently needs a dedicated tin research center to improve the competitiveness of its national tin industry.
“Imagine, Indonesia’s tin industry has existed for 150 years, and we still do not have a tin research center,” Aryo said during the event.
According to him, the facility will focus on developing tin processing technology and rare earth metal research. The company also wants to strengthen domestic capabilities in strategic mineral processing.
Meanwhile, Aryo described rare earth elements as highly valuable byproducts of tin production. He said the materials play an important role in global technology and energy industries.
Some of the rare earth elements include neodymium (NdPr) and dysprosium. Industries use both materials in high-tech devices and energy transition technology.
“Hopefully, Indonesia can benefit from this opportunity,” Aryo said. “One of the steps we are taking is investing in a tin and rare earth metals research center in Bangka.”
In addition, Aryo stressed the importance of mastering downstream tin technology inside Indonesia. He highlighted the semiconductor industry as one sector that needs advanced solder technology and high-standard metal alloy development.
According to him, Indonesia should not rely entirely on foreign markets for technological advancement. Instead, the country needs stronger domestic research capacity and industrial collaboration.
“We need to master it, and this must belong to Indonesia, researched in Indonesia, and manufactured in Indonesia,” he said.
Aryo also invited collaboration with academics, private companies, and state-owned enterprises involved in the tin sector. He believes partnerships will help accelerate the development of Indonesia’s mineral research ecosystem.
Previously, Arsari Tambang established a solder manufacturing facility in Batam through PT Solder Tin Andalan Indonesia. The company said the project supports efforts to expand the value chain of Indonesia’s tin industry.
For Arsari Tambang, the future of mining depends not only on resource extraction but also on industrialization, innovation, and sustainable mineral development.
