RI to build 20 smelters

By Bambang Atmaja

Coordinating Minister for Economy Hatta Rajasa said on Thursday that the government decided to build 20 smelters across the country.

"We will build smelters and the number would be around 20," Hatta told Petromindo.com at the State Palace. The figure is lower than that previously mentioned by Indonesian Industry Minister MS Hidayat of between 30 to 50 smelters.

Starting in May, the government has limited the export of 65 mineral ores by imposing a 20 percent export duty on them.

The government requires the processing of mineral ores to increase added value through the establishment of smelter.

Hundreds of companies have proposed the development of smelter to the government.

Editing by Adianto P. Simamora