Implementation of Resource Nationalism Through Nickel Downstreaming Policy as a Form of Indonesian Economic Sovereignty

This journal aims to analyze the implementation of resource nationalism through the nickel downstreaming policy, a concrete effort to strengthen Indonesia’s economic sovereignty. Resource nationalism is a view that emphasizes the importance of state-managed natural resource management for the national interest, rather than merely as a low-value raw material export commodity. The nickel downstreaming policy is seen as a strategic instrument used by the government to increase the added value of natural resources. Downstreaming is expected to provide long-term economic benefits, strengthen Indonesia’s economic sovereignty, and reduce the country’s dependence on raw material exports. This journal raises the problem of how the implementation of resource nationalism is reflected in Indonesia’s nickel downstreaming policy. To address this problem, this journal uses a qualitative approach, with a literature review as its primary method. The main theoretical framework used in this analysis is the theory of economic nationalism developed by Friedrich List and Dani Rodrik. The list emphasizes the importance of developing national productive forces through industrial protection. At the same time, Rodrik highlights the importance of policy space for the state to determine the direction of its economic development. Through this journal analysis, the author aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of downstream nickel in Indonesia’s economic sovereignty, while highlighting the challenges that arise in its implementation.