GIFA and METEC Indonesia 2026 highlight opportunities in aluminium industry

Indonesia’s rapid expansion of primary aluminium production is creating growing demand for downstream processing, casting and metallurgical equipment, with GIFA and METEC Indonesia 2026 set to put a new focus on the sector.

The trade fairs will take place from 9 to 12 September 2026 at the Jakarta International Expo and will introduce a dedicated Aluminium Pavilion for the first time.

According to figures cited by organiser Messe Düsseldorf from Shanghai Metal Markets, Indonesia’s operational primary aluminium capacity is expected to rise from around 870,000 tonnes in 2025 to 2.51 million tonnes in 2026, before increasing further to 3.56 million tonnes in 2027.

Downstream processing moves into focus

Indonesia has already become a net exporter of primary aluminium, while continuing to import substantial volumes of processed aluminium products. This is creating opportunities for suppliers of foundry equipment, continuous casting systems, furnaces, thermal process technology, automation, simulation, quality control and material handling.

The expansion follows Indonesia’s strategy of processing more raw materials domestically. Since the country introduced a ban on exports of unprocessed bauxite in 2023, more material has been channelled into local refining and smelting capacity.

As primary production grows, downstream applications are becoming increasingly important. Automotive manufacturing, electrification and renewable energy are expected to be major demand drivers, including aluminium use in lightweight vehicles, photovoltaic systems and electrical infrastructure.

“Indonesia is an important market for the future: the strong expansion of capacity is creating new requirements for processing, casting and other industrial applications,” said Malte Seifert, Director Metals & Autonomous Technologies at Messe Düsseldorf.

Around 200 exhibitors expected in Jakarta

Around 200 companies and 6,000 trade visitors are expected at GIFA and METEC Indonesia 2026. Exhibitors will come from countries including Germany, Austria, China, India, Italy, Singapore and Spain, as well as Indonesia.

The technology range will cover foundry and continuous casting equipment, furnace and thermal process technology, automation, simulation, precision machining and raw-material processing.

Messe Düsseldorf sees particular opportunities for international machinery and plant suppliers as Indonesia expands its metallurgical production capacity and seeks to increase domestic value creation.

GIFA and METEC Indonesia will be held alongside MINING Indonesia, bringing together mining, raw-material processing, metallurgy and foundry technology within the Indonesia Energy and Engineering Series.

Source and Photo: Messe Düsseldorf