Jakarta, INTI - INDEF Program Director, Esther Sri Astuti, assessed that the continuation of phase II of the national downstreaming program has the potential to accelerate the transformation of industries based on natural resource-added value. She stated that this program could also increase export value and significantly boost state revenue, such as nickel, palm oil, and copper.
“It’s a good opportunity if there is an increase in sector productivity, which is a crucial foundation for the success of downstreaming,” she said.
This statement was made after President Prabowo Subianto, along with Danantara CEO Rosan Roeslani, inaugurated 13 phase II national downstreaming projects worth Rp116 trillion at Refinery Unit IV Cilacap on Wednesday, April 29.
Esther emphasized the importance of innovation and modern technology in processing, including the construction of facilities such as smelters to improve operational efficiency and production quality.
“Thus, downstreaming is not only an industrialization process, but also a journey towards a more advanced, adaptive, and sustainable economy,” she explained.
Impacts Expected from The Program
She is also optimistic that this program will have positive social impacts, such as creating jobs, increasing the income of farmers and miners, and improving the welfare of local communities.
Prasasti Piter Abdullah, Director of Programs and Policy at the Center for Policy Studies, viewed downstreaming as a strategic step to increase the added value of commodities currently exported in their raw form, such as coconuts.
“Downstreaming, simply put, is an effort to increase added value,” he said. He considered the accelerated implementation from the initial phase to the next phase a positive signal.
Conclusion
Esther Sri Astuti from INDEF assessed that phase II of national downstreaming projects has the potential to increase the added value of natural resources, boost exports, and increase state revenue. The Rp116 trillion program, inaugurated by President Prabowo Subianto, is also believed to have a social impact through job creation and improved regional welfare. Meanwhile, Prasasti Piter Abdullah assessed downstreaming as a strategic step to increase the added value of commodities.
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