Jakarta, Aug. 25 -- The newly appointed Head of the Mineral Industry Agency, Brian Yuliarto, stated that the agency is tasked with managing strategic materials essential to the defense industry.

"The President asked me to lead the Mineral Industry Agency. This agency will oversee the strategic materials industry linked to national defense," Yuliarto said at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Monday.

Yuliarto, who is also the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, emphasized that these materials are vital not only for national sovereignty but also for strengthening the economy.

The agency's scope includes rare earth metals and radioactive minerals.

Yuliarto noted that the Mineral Industry Agency will coordina...