Indonesia has had persistent current account deficit since late-2011. Last year's current account deficit was equal to 3pc of gross domestic product.
"I've calculated that if all (natural resources) move toward downstream industry, making intermediate products or end products, the current account deficit can be solved within three years," Widodo told a mining industry event.
He mentioned Indonesia's plan to expand the nickel processing industry and urged miners to process more minerals at home, such as bauxite and coal.