President Jokowi: Indonesia’s Economic Transformation Leap Starts from Developing Green Industrial Area

President Jokowi during a groundbreaking ceremony of green industrial area in Bulungan regency, North Kalimantan province, Tuesday (12/21). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Laily Rachev)

The Government has announced that it will begin economic transformation through downstream industrialization of raw materials and the use of green energy, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

“The groundbreaking of green industrial area is definitely a leap for Indonesia’s economic transformation so that we can manage our natural resources from upstream to downstream,” the President said during a groundbreaking ceremony of green industrial area in East Tanjung Palas, Bulungan regency, North Kalimantan province, Tuesday (12/21).

The President went on to say that the green industrial area is expected to bring benefits to the communities, such as provide more job opportunities that can greatly contribute to state revenues.

“That way, state revenues received in the form of tax and non-tax can be used to improve our current account balance, to boost our trade balance in exports that have not been achieved yet for years, and to generate foreign exchange for our country,” the President said.

On that occasion, the Head of State also expressed excitement that the industrial area will use the latest technology.

“We will produce sodium ions, lithium ions, semiconductors, and petrochemicals for textiles or other products. Any other products coming from this industrial area include green aluminum, solar panels, and industrial silicone. All of them will be produced in North Kalimantan,” he added.

The President also ordered the relevant ranks to properly oversee the development of the industrial area so that it is conducive and safe for investors.

Regarding licensing, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has been ordered to oversee and accelerate the licensing process so that the slightest problem will not occur.

“Let me know if there is something crucial to be finished and it is not finished,” the President said.

In the meantime, Luhut, in his report, convey that all permits have been well coordinated in accordance with applicable regulations in Indonesia.

The Minister also expressed appreciation to the regional government and the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda) of North Kalimantan for their role in supporting the industrial area development.

“The support from the Governor and the Regent of Bulungan is very significant. The support from Forkopimda members for the development of this area is also extraordinary. We can report all permits, Sir. We can immediately coordinate and follow the existing regulations,” he said. (RIF/MMB)