President Prabowo Subianto has inaugurated Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek) Brian Yuliarto as the first Head of the Mineral Industry Agency at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Monday, 25 August. The appointment was formalized under Presidential Decree Number 77 P on the Appointment of the Head of the Mineral Industry Agency. 

The agency will be tasked with managing radioactive minerals and rare earth elements (REE), materials considered vital for the defense, military, and high-technology industries. Its creation is seen as part of the government’s broader efforts to secure Indonesia’s role in the strategic mineral supply chain. 

Executive Director of the Indonesian Mining Association (IMA), Hendra Sinadia, welcomed the establishment of the agency. He described it as a step in the right direction, particularly at a time when competition for rare earths is intensifying globally.  

“This is for the development of rare earths. President Prabowo, with his military background and geopolitical experience, understands the current dynamics. Rare earths are being targeted by superpowers such as China, the U.S., and Europe for defense industries,” Hendra said in Jakarta. 

Hendra also noted that rare earths are essential for the aerospace sector. Although Indonesia’s reserves may not be as large as those of other countries, he argued that the nation still holds significant strategic potential. However, he cautioned that technological limitations and weak regulations remain obstacles.  

“The formation of this agency also has the potential to strengthen research related to rare earths, especially because the appointed head is also Mendiktisaintek,” he added.  

In his view, the initiative will ensure that rare earth development in Indonesia is not only about permits and management but also research, which should serve as the foundation for long-term progress. 

In his remarks, Brian Yuliarto explained that the Mineral Industry Agency would focus on industries producing strategic materials for defense and military purposes. 

“This agency will manage strategic material industries that are directly connected to defense needs,” he said. He stressed that the agency’s creation was aimed at reinforcing national sovereignty while also delivering greater economic returns for the country. 

Brian further underlined that his dual role as Mendiktisaintek and Head of the Mineral Industry Agency would not pose difficulties, since the responsibilities of both institutions are closely aligned. “The development of rare earth mineral technology in universities is expected to be encouraged and implemented within the industry,” he said. 

Prior to his ministerial appointment, Brian served as Vice Rector for Research and Innovation at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) and is a professor at ITB’s Faculty of Industrial Technology, specializing in Nano and Quantum Technology. He was sworn in as Mendiktisaintek on 19 February 2025, replacing Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro. 

This article is published in partnership with Katadata 

Original article here