Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Inauguration of PT Kaltim Amonium Nitrat in Bontang City, East Kalimantan Province, February 29, 2024

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Good morning,
May peace be upon us all.
Om swastiastu.
Namo Buddhaya.
Greetings of Virtue.

Distinguished Chairperson of Presidential Advisory Board (Wantimpres), Ministers of the Indonesian Onward Cabinet who are present with me, Minister of SOEs, Minister of Investment, Minister of Trade;

Distinguished Indonesian National Defense Forces Commander, Governor of East Kalimantan, Mayor of Bontang, Directors of SOEs attending this event who I cannot mention one by one, religious leaders, community leaders;

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The world is currently experiencing a food crisis. All countries are very careful about food. In the past, it was a simple task when we want to import rice or wheat. Now, 22 countries—from which we usually buy rice or wheat—limited their sales and some even stopped their exports. It means that food in the future will be essential for all countries. And, our food productivity requires something called fertilizer. We still import some fertilizer components and raw materials. Self-sufficiency is not something that we have.

Therefore, I really, really appreciate the tremendous efforts to develop ammonium nitrate industry. Such matter is important for 21 percent of our ammonium nitrate is still imported. With the construction of the Kaltim Amonium Nitrat’s factory, imports will be reduced to 8 percent, meaning we still import 13 percent.

I am pleased that the factory has been completed for we will be able to add raw materials in order to produce more fertilizer in the country, especially NPK. And, I hope with the completion of the construction of the factory, we can be more self-sufficient and productive in the food sector and this investment of Rp1.2 trillion will not be in vain.

I order such expansion to continue, so we can substitute those imported goods. I think Rp1.2 trillion is not a large sum of money for Ministry of SOEs. It’s mere small amount of money, so that the 21 [percent] can be continued, so that everything can be accomplished. We must domestically produce not only ammonium nitrate, but also goods and products which are still imported for we have the capabilities to do that.

That concludes my speech on this auspicious occasion.

By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I hereby inaugurate the ammonium nitrate factory, PT Kaltim Ammonium Nitrat this morning in Bontang city, East Kalimantan province.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(GWH/MMB)