Governor Alam Seeks President Jokowi's Support For Smelter Development

Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, Nov 7 (Antara) - Southeast Sulawesi Governor Nur Alam has sought President Joko Widodo`s (Jokowi`s) support for the construction of two nickel smelters in the province. The governor put forth the request during the 12th National Conference of the Family of Gajah Mada University Alumni, which was also attended by President Jokowi and numerous cabinet ministers, here on Thursday. Nur Alam noted that Southeast Sulawesi has abundant natural and mineral resources, but they were not optimally exploited for the welfare of the local people. He pointed out that the mineral potential of nickel, asphalt, gold, and others in the province have yet to be optimally utilized as expected by the local community. "With the presence of the smelters, nickel deposits of 99.4 billion tons can be managed well to give exceptional added value," the governor remarked. He added that besides nickel deposits, Southeast Sulawesi also has gold deposits of 1.12 million tons and 3.8 billion tons of asphalt. The governor emphasized that if these three mining commodities were managed properly, then they would generate Rp328.65 thousand trillion. "Therefore, the Southeast Sulawesi provincial government and the people hope that President Jokowi will support the construction of smelters in this province," Governor Nur Alam added.