The article argues that Indonesia should intensify the downstreaming (hilirisasi) of its tin and its derivatives—especially rare earth elements (REE)—because they hold huge potential for high-value industries. According to PT Timah, these mineral derivatives can be processed into critical components used in electronics and even defense systems (alutsista). By doing so, Indonesia can significantly increase added value instead of just exporting raw tin.
Moreover, the push for downstreaming aligns with national strategic goals: reducing resource export dependence, developing a local industrial ecosystem, and strengthening Indonesia’s role in the global supply chain.
