Gov’t to Accelerate Downstreaming Programs Across Strategic Industries

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia at the press conference after the meeting, the Merdeka Palace, Central Jakarta, Thursday (11/06). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto Thursday (11/06) led a limited cabinet meeting with several Cabinet ministers to discuss the acceleration of downstreaming programs across strategic sectors, including fisheries, agriculture, and energy and mineral resources to strengthen Indonesia’s economic self-reliance through concrete policy measures.

According to Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, the meeting followed up on the President’s directives after his working visit to Cilegon.

“Eighteen projects have completed their pre-feasibility studies, and discussions have been held with Danantara CEO Rosan Roeslani. We plan to finalize all of them by the end of this year,” Bahlil said in a statement after the cabinet meeting at the Merdeka Palace in Central Jakarta.

Bahlil noted that all downstreaming projects are expected to begin field operations by the next year, contributing tangible benefits to the national economy.

“By accelerating these projects worth nearly Rp600 trillion in total investment, we will drive economic growth, create employments, and produce goods that can serve as import substitutes,” he added.

In addition to major industrial projects, the meeting also addressed the nation’s energy needs, particularly the domestic production of Dimethyl Ether (DME) as a substitute for imported liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Bahlil stated that the country’s current LPG consumption stands at around 1.2 million tons per year and is projected to reach 10 million tons by 2026.

In response, President Prabowo underscored the urgency of developing the domestic energy industry.

“We will also proceed with building our own oil refinery. As we know, one of the refineries will be inaugurated on November 10, while the rest will follow soon after,” Bahlil remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (GWH/MUR)