Newly-appointed Coordinating Minister Bahlil Affirms Commitment to Speed up Downstreaming, Energy Transition Process

President Prabowo Subianto Thursday (10/01) installed Bahlil Lahadalia as the Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition, adding to his existing position as the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM).

After the swearing-in ceremony, Bahlil said he would carry out the additional mandate in accordance with his authority and the President’s directives. He added that downstreaming and energy transition are included in President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita (eight missions) agenda that must be strengthened and accelerated. Therefore his ministry will enhance coordination and focus on speeding up the implementation of programs related to the agenda.

“We are aware that downstreaming and the energy transition are parts of the President’s Asta Cita agenda. We need to consolidate these efforts through the coordinating ministry to accelerate their upcoming implementation,” Bahlil said.

The Minister went on to say that energy and mineral resources sector is closely linked to the Government’s downstreaming agenda. He added that around 90 percent of total downstreaming investment is concentrated in that sector.

“For now, my office will remain at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources as we assess how things develop. Our focus is on downstreaming, as around 90 percent of total investment is in the energy and mineral resources sector,” Bahlil said.

Meanwhile, regarding coordination with the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry, Bahlil emphasized that the ministry remains a technical ministry operating under the coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Downstreaming and Energy Transition.

Bahlil also affirmed his commitment to carry out his duties in accordance with the authority granted by the President through a Presidential Decree (Keppres). He said all members of the President’s administration must perform their duties in accordance with the provisions and mandates assigned to them.

“I will simply carry out what is stipulated in the President’s decree since all authority relating to the state administration rests with the President and is delegated to his ministers and other aides. As a good member of the President’s administration, I will comply with and adhere to what is ordered and stipulated in the decree,” Bahlil said.

Bahlil further noted that under Indonesia’s presidential system, the appointment of ministers is the President’s prerogative. Therefore, he said, all decisions made by the President must be respected and implemented by members of his administration. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RAS/TM)