A historic milestone was reached in Southeast Sulawesi on April 27, 2025, as PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama (Ceria Group) officially launched Indonesia’s green nickel era by producing its first ferronickel at the “Smelter Merah Putih” facility in Kolaka. The launch coincided with Southeast Sulawesi’s 61st anniversary, symbolizing Indonesia’s commitment to a sustainable, ESG-based nickel industry. CEO Derian Sakmiwata stated that the smelter’s on-time commercial operation reflects not only PT Ceria’s success but also Indonesia’s growing leadership in sustainable industrial development. The ferronickel produced will support both the stainless steel and electric vehicle (EV) industries worldwide.
This first production marks the beginning of broader ambitions. PT Ceria is expanding to additional smelter lines and will develop facilities for nickel matte, nickel sulphate, and HPAL to produce MHP—key for EV batteries. According to General Manager Roimon Barus, the smelter uses advanced, energy-efficient technology powered by green energy certified by PLN, giving it one of the lowest carbon footprints in Indonesia. With waste managed through reduce-reuse-recycle practices and real-time environmental monitoring, Ceria’s ferronickel is now a true “green nickel.” The company aims to build not just a facility, but a fully responsible green industrial ecosystem anchored in ESG, setting the standard for Indonesia’s role in the global clean energy supply chain.
