North Maluku-South Korea Explore Sustainable Industry Partnership

RRI.CO.ID, Ternate - Governor of North Maluku, Sherly Tjoanda, has initiated a strategic dialogue with the South Korean government to foster a sustainable industrial ecosystem within the province. The exploratory meeting took place in Jakarta on Friday, April 17, 2026, where the Governor met with the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Indonesia, H.E. Yoon Soon-gu.

"The North Maluku Provincial Administration is encouraging healthy and equitable partnerships with all investors, including those from the Republic of Korea," Sherly Tjoanda said in a written statement received in Ternate on Friday, April 17, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Governor Sherly expressed her confidence that increased investment from South Korea would significantly boost local value, particularly through job creation and the enhancement of human resource capacity.

The discussions highlighted several priority sectors that form the backbone of North Maluku’s economy, including mining, energy, fisheries, and tourism. A central theme of the talks was the commitment to the "sustainability principle," ensuring that industrial growth does not come at the expense of the province's ecological balance.

A specific point of interest was the role of the South Korean steel and technology giant, POSCO. The meeting touched upon the company's involvement in the nickel processing industry through collaborative schemes at the Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park (IWIP).

This partnership is viewed as a cornerstone for moving the province further up the global supply chain for electric vehicle battery materials.

To support these ambitions, the North Maluku Provincial Administration has pledged to maintain a transparent, accountable, and conducive investment climate. This includes streamlining licensing processes while strictly enforcing environmental protection and corporate social responsibility standards.

"We ensure that all activities operate according to regulations and provide optimal benefits for the community and the region," Sherly said.

She further emphasized that synergy between the central government, local authorities, and business actors is essential for maintaining operational stability and promoting sustainable industrial practices.

The engagement between North Maluku and South Korea is a timely move in the global shift toward green industrialization. By focusing on nickel, a critical mineral for the energy transition, North Maluku is positioning itself not just as an exporter of raw materials, but as a sophisticated industrial hub.

The involvement of POSCO is particularly significant. As a leader in high-tech manufacturing, POSCO’s presence at Weda Bay suggests a transfer of technology that could elevate North Maluku's industrial standards to a global level.

However, Governor Tjoanda’s emphasis on equitable partnerships and environmental integrity shows a clear awareness of the risks involved. By framing this cooperation as sustainable industry, North Maluku is setting a benchmark for how resource-rich regions can engage with advanced economies like South Korea to build a future that balances rapid economic growth with local social and environmental welfare. ***