Highlighting Value-Added Downstreaming, MIND ID Premieres ‘The MINDJourney’

Jakarta – The Holding Company for the Indonesian Mining Industry, MIND ID, has premiered the documentary film ‘The MINDJourney’ as part of its efforts to showcase the complete process of mineral value creation, from upstream to downstream, along with its tangible impacts on society and the environment.

This film serves as a visual medium recording the journey of mineral resource management across the pre-mining, operational, and post-mining phases, all conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner.

The film connects industrial processes, downstreaming, sustainability, and the real benefits felt by local communities, including micro and small enterprise (MSE) operators around the operational areas.

MIND ID President Director, Maroef Sjamsoeddin, stated that the film is part of an effort to strengthen integration within the MIND ID Group while educating the public about responsible mining practices.

"Through this film, we want to present a medium that demonstrates how all members of the MIND ID Group operate under the same umbrella. We aim to build a shared understanding, both internally and externally, regarding mining practices executed under the principles of good mining practice, from planning and operations to post-mining," he said during the MIND ID Group Gathering event on Wednesday (1/4/2026).

He added that the film is also expected to provide a more balanced perspective on the mining industry, which has frequently faced negative stigmas.

"Admittedly, mining activities alter the landscape, but when executed according to proper guidelines, mine management can deliver massive benefits to the environment and society. Through this film, we want to show how these practices are implemented by all members of the MIND ID Group," he explained.

Furthermore, the film highlights the importance of downstreaming as an effort to ensure Indonesia's mineral wealth provides optimal value add domestically. Previously, a portion of mineral commodities was exported without maximum processing, meaning their economic value was enjoyed abroad.

For instance, the integrated bauxite–alumina–aluminium processing chain developed by the MIND ID Group delivers a significant boost in value addition: from around US$40 per ton of raw bauxite ore, to approximately US$400 per ton of alumina, and up to US$2,800–US$3,000 per ton of aluminium.

Moreover, this value can continue to rise when aluminium is further processed into industrial products such as battery frames, electric vehicle bodies, and high-tech components.

The impact of this downstreaming not only strengthens national industrial competitiveness but also drives job creation, MSE growth, and increased contributions to state revenue.

Maroef further emphasized that integrated and responsible mineral resource management serves as a crucial foundation for sustainable national economic development.

"The mineral resource wealth owned by Indonesia must be managed optimally to deliver the greatest possible benefit to the public and support the development of Indonesia's future," he asserted.

The producer and director of ‘The MINDJourney’, Ari Sihasale, revealed that the documentary was created based on the team's firsthand experiences while filming across various mining operation sites.

"This is the first time we've made a documentary about mining. Initially, we only knew about the mining world through social media, which often highlights the negative side. However, when we went directly to the field, we saw many things that opened a new perspective," he said.

He explained that the production process involved a long journey spanning various operational sites of MIND ID Group members and direct interaction with the communities surrounding the mines.

"We traveled for more than 50 days and met directly with the communities. Many of them have experienced real benefits, ranging from health and education to MSE development. These are the kinds of stories we want to bring forward, because the human side of mining also needs to be known by the public," he explained.

Ari hopes the film will serve as an educational medium that helps the public understand the role of mining in national development.

"This documentary is not just entertainment; it is hoped that it can open our eyes and hearts to the fact that when mining is conducted responsibly, its benefits can be felt by the wider community," he concluded.