Archive · 31 Dec 2025
Indonesian Trader Arif Kurniawan Dominates Nickel Market
Arif Kurniawan, known as 'Mr 28,' is a powerful but reclusive figure in Indonesia's nickel industry.
He started as a trader at Glencore and now controls about a third of Indonesia's nickel ore trade.
Indonesia has become a major player in the global nickel market due to its vast deposits and technological advancements.
Kurniawan's success is tied to his ability to navigate the complex and rapidly changing regulations in Indonesia's nickel sector.
He has built strong relationships with both local miners and international companies, particularly Chinese firms.
However, his future in the industry may be affected by the new president's policies and the shifting political landscape.
Arif Kurniawan, known as 'Mr 28,' controls approximately one-third of Indonesia's nickel ore trade.
Indonesia has become a dominant force in the global nickel market due to its vast deposits and technological innovations.
Kurniawan's success is attributed to his strategic alliances, trading instincts, and the rapid industrial transformation in Indonesia.
He has built strong relationships with Chinese firms and local miners, making him a crucial intermediary in the nickel supply chain.
The new Indonesian president, Prabowo Subianto, is implementing policies that could impact Kurniawan's business, including increased royalties and crackdowns on illegal mining.
- Who
- Arif Kurniawan, a reclusive ex-trader and now the dominant figure in Indonesia's nickel market.
- What
- Kurniawan controls a significant portion of Indonesia's nickel ore trade and has stakes in numerous mining concessions.
- When
- Kurniawan's rise to prominence has occurred over the past decade, coinciding with Indonesia's transformation into a major player in the global nickel market.
- Where
- Indonesia, particularly in regions with significant nickel deposits and processing facilities.
- Why
- Indonesia's shift towards processing and manufacturing nickel, along with technological innovations, has created lucrative opportunities for traders like Kurniawan.
- Name
- Arif Kurniawan
- Nickname
- Mr 28
- Industry
- Nickel Trading and Mining
- Market Share
- Approximately one-third of Indonesia's nickel ore trade
- Estimated Annual Volume
- $3 billion
- Key Business Partner
- Edi Liu Amas
- Notable Companies
- PT Dua Delapan Resources (28 Resources)
- Current President of Indonesia
- Prabowo Subianto