Indonesia ranks 35th in global mining investment attractiveness survey

By Adianto Simamora

Indonesia ranked 35th out of 68 jurisdictions in global mining investment attractiveness in the 2025 annual survey conducted by the Fraser Institute, reflecting improved mineral potential despite ongoing investor concerns over policy conditions.

The survey, conducted between August and November 2025 among mining executives worldwide, evaluates jurisdictions based on mineral potential and policy factors affecting exploration investment.

Indonesia’s Investment Attractiveness Index score rose by 5.13 points to 68.03, improving its position from 36th out of 82 jurisdictions in the previous survey.

The report said Indonesia was grouped in the Oceania region alongside New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines.

According to the Fraser Institute, the Investment Attractiveness Index combines the Policy Perception Index and the Best Practices Mineral Potential Index.

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Globally, the top-ranked jurisdiction for mining investment attractiveness was the U.S. state of Nevada, which rose from second place in the previous survey, followed by the Canadian province of Ontario, which climbed from 15th place in 2024.

Indonesia’s geological attractiveness also improved. Its mineral potential score increased by 6.43 points, lifting the country’s ranking to 20th out of 41 jurisdictions assessed solely on geological potential, from 26th out of 58 previously.

However, the survey highlighted investor concerns over the policy environment. Indonesia’s Policy Perception Index ranking fell to 46th out of 68 jurisdictions from 41st out of 82 previously.

Survey respondents cited uncertainty over disputed land claims, protected areas, and regulatory inconsistencies as major issues affecting investment sentiment. Concerns about land disputes rose by 46 percentage points, while worries over protected areas increased by 37 points. Frustration with regulatory duplication and inconsistencies also rose by 35 points.

Despite these concerns, some respondents viewed Indonesia’s downstream mineral policies positively, including government efforts to encourage domestic processing of nickel, aluminum, and copper.

The Fraser Institute has conducted its annual mining survey since 1997 to assess how mineral potential and public policy influence mining investment decisions worldwide.

Editing by Alexander Ginting