Indonesian Pumice Stone Prospect
Based on the analysis of developments during the period 1985 – 1991 and the aspects that influence it, the prospect of the pumice mining industry in Indonesia in the future (until 2000) is estimated to be quite good.
Pumice Stone Supply
Although there are substitutions of other materials for pumice and its use in the domestic industrial sector which has not yet developed, if viewed from the side of the considerable potential, the increasing demand from abroad, as well as the government’s policy in exporting which is more flexible, it is estimated that the supply side, namely the production and imports of pumice, will continue to increase.
Pumice Production
Pumice production in the future is likely to be more influenced by domestic economic developments. Therefore, the annual gross domestic income (GDP) growth rate is used for projections; including 3% (low projection), 5% (medium projection), 7% (high projection), then pumice production in 2000 is estimated to reach between 225,100 – 317,230 tons (Table 7).
Table 7. Projection of Indonesian Pumice Production in 1997 and 2000
Production in 1991 = ….. = Projected Production (tonnes)
LP = 1997 = 2000
172,554 Low (3.00%) = 194,200 = 225,100
Medium (5.00%) = 209,740 = 267,680
High (7.00%) = 225,100 = 317,230
Note: LP = Average growth rate per year.
Imported Pumice
In line with the development of technology, in the future the processing of pumice in the country is estimated to be more advanced, and can produce products with specifications as required by the user industry. Thus, the import of pumice which originally arose as a result of its quality unable to meet the downstream industry’s demand, can now be supplied domestically. Thus, in the year 200 imported pumice no longer existed.
Pumice Stone Request
Meanwhile, in line with the increasing need for construction materials that are lighter, safer, and easier to handle, as well as increasing technological advances in the use of pumice in the industrial sector, the demand for pumice both at home and abroad is predicted to continue to increase.
Consumption of Pumice
Domestic consumption of pumice in recent years has shown an increase, especially in the construction sector. In the future, pumice construction is estimated to continue to increase. For the projection calculated by the GDP growth rate of 3%, 5%, and 7%, then the consumption of pumice in the country in 2000, between
65,130 – 91,770 tons (Table 8).
Table 8. Projected Indonesian Pumice Consumption 1997 – 2000
Production in 1991 = Projected Production (tonnes) = … = …
LP = 1997 = 2000
49,917 =Low (3.00%) = 56,180 = 65,130
Medium (5.00%) = 60,670 = 77,440
Height (7.00%) = 65,430 = 91,770
Note: LP = Average growth rate per year
Pumice Export
Export projections to meet the demands of other countries, in 2000 are estimated to reach between 184,770 – 369,390 tons. (Table 9).
Table 9. Projection of Indonesian Pumice Exports in 1997 and 2000
Production in 1991 = Projected Production (tonnes) = ….
LP = 1997 = 2000
106,161 = Low (3.00%) = 119,480 = 138,510
Medium (5.00%) = 139,150 = 164,690
High (7.00%) = 184.770 = 369.390
Note: LP = Average growth rate per year
Based on the results of the evaluation and analysis of the development of pumice during the period 1985-1991, along with the aspects that influence it, conclusions and suggestions can be drawn as follows:
Conclusion of Indonesian Pumice Industry
Pumice is a type of industrial minerals produced from volcanic eruptions, has a cellular structure, low bulk density, and contains bubbles with glass walls, and is often referred to as glass volcanic rock.
Pumice is widely used for construction materials, namely lightweight aggregates such as roof tiles, water pipes, soundproof walls and others. Meanwhile, in the industrial sector, it is used as an abrasive and polishing agent in the metal and leather industry, glass cleaning agent, filler and coating in the paint, toothpaste, and cosmetic industries, as well as a chemical carrier in the chemical industry. .
Indonesia has a large potential for pumice deposits, which is more than 10 million m3, spread over Bengkulu, Jambi, Lampung, West Java, Yogyakarta, Bali, Lombok, Ternate and Tidore. The potential that has been worked out is in the areas of Bengkulu, Lampung, West Java, Lombok Island, and Ternate.
The development of supply and demand for Indonesian pumice in the period 1985-1991 tends to increase. Pumice production increased by 16.78% per year, consumption by 48.59% per year, and exports by around 14.67% per year. Imports of pumice during this period were still very small, only 294 tons in 1991. Meanwhile, the average price of pumice increased by 3.16% per year, and in 1991 it reached Rp. 270.454.00 per ton or IDR 270.00 per kg.
The prospect of the pumice mining industry in the future is estimated to be good, namely in 2000 the projected production is between 225,100 – 317,230 tons, domestic consumption is between 65,130 – 91,770 tons, and exports will reach 138,510 – 369,390 tons. Meanwhile, the pumice which was originally imported is expected to be fulfilled domestically.
From the perspective of supply and demand projections, until 2000 the opportunity for exploitation in the pumice mining industry is still quite open.
To improve the pumice mining industry in Indonesia, it is necessary to conduct a more complete inventory and exploration of these minerals, in order to attract investors to invest their money in the mining industry.
Research and information technology for the use of pumice in all sectors or fields, needs to be further improved.
Government participation in the development of the pumice industry is very much needed, including exploration assistance, ease of exploration and exploitation licensing, and research assistance for pumice utilization technology.