Non-Mining Sectors’ Downstreaming Has Great Potentials, President Jokowi Says

President Jokowi attends the Opening of the 2023 National Working Meeting of the Indonesian Provincial Government Association (APPSI) at Novotel hotel’s Ballroom in Balikpapan city, East Kalimantan province (02/23/2023) (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Dindha)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Thursday (02/23) said that downstreaming must be carried out in all sectors.

“Don’t you think that downstreaming can only be carried out in nickel, mining sectors. Fisheries, agriculture, and plantation sectors also have great potential and every region has its own potential,” the President said during the Opening of the 2023 National Working Meeting of the Indonesian Provincial Government Association (APPSI) in Balikpapan city, East Kalimantan province.

President Jokowi went on to say that Thailand has carried out downstreaming of coconut industry, while underscoring that Indonesia has the potential to do better.

“In Thailand, coconut that has been packaged into “coco thumb” that costs Rp45,000 – Rp50,000. The price is three time higher because the packaging made is eye-catching. Not only can we do it, but also, we can do it better. Regions have the potentials; our people can do it. We have to encourage it,” the President said.

The Head of State also said that fish meal in fisheries sector has also the same potential to have more added values.

“Global demand for fish meal is huge. To that end, fishermen, MSMEs, cooperatives, small industries must be encouraged to carry out downstreaming. Other products in regions must also be a concern,” he added.

On that occasion, President Jokowi reminded all regional leaders to maintain investment climate in their respective regions, considering that investment is key to boost economic growth. He also called on them to facilitate investors to obtain business permission, while stressing that the process should not take time. (GUN/UN) (AP/EP)