Kendal. Chief Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan delivered a deeply sentimental farewell to President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo as his term approaches its end on Oct. 20.

“If I may be sentimental, farewell, Sir. You will be remembered. Even though there are still 2-3 months left, Mr. President, I think important events like this are very touching for me personally,” Luhut said during his speech at the inauguration of Indonesia BTR New Energy Material’s lithium battery anode plant in Kendal, Central Java, on Wednesday.

Luhut acknowledged Jokowi’s legacy, stating that it would be difficult for others to match. “I believe, Mr. President, that in time people will remember that you laid the foundation for this country to become an industrialized nation, not just an exporter of raw materials,” Luhut said.

He recalled a pivotal moment at the back entrance of the Palace when Jokowi confirmed the decision to ban nickel exports. “It was challenging as we lost $1.5 billion. However, now we are respected, our technology is improving, and our exports are increasing,” Luhut remarked.

Indonesia, the world's largest nickel producer, stopped all raw nickel exports in October 2019 as part of its strategy to develop an electric vehicle ecosystem.

Looking ahead, Luhut expressed confidence in Indonesia’s future on the global stage. “Indonesia is a great country, a country with character, a country that can say yes, and a country that can say no. Therefore, all of us who assist the President must truly oversee all regulations properly; we must safeguard the credibility that the President has built over the past 10 years,” Luhut concluded.