Reinforcing Indonesias KDLI Through Downstreaming Policy: Domestic Refining Now Mandatory for Seabed Mineral Mining Contractors

In 2023, the Indonesian Government issued Regulation of the President No. 80 of 2023 (“Regulation 80/2023”) on Indonesia’s Active Role Within the International Seabed Area (Kawasan Dasar Laut Internasional - “KDLI”), which, as its title suggests, addresses Indonesia’s involvement in the utilization of the KDLI and its natural resources through a number of different activities. However, in order to provide further clarity regarding the implementation of the various activities mandated under Regulation 80/2023, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources has now decided to issue Regulation No. 11 of 2025 on Procedures for the Implementation of Mineral Management and Utilization Activities Within the KDLI (“Regulation 11/2025”), which has been in force since 17 April 2025.^[1]