Cilacap, Central Java (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has called for faster implementation of industrial downstreaming projects, describing them as a strategic step to manage national resources for the benefit of the people.

Speaking at the groundbreaking of 13 Phase II downstreaming projects at Pertamina Patra Niaga’s Refinery Unit IV in Cilacap, Central Java, on Wednesday, Prabowo said the initiatives span energy, minerals and agriculture, and are intended to strengthen the country’s economic structure.

“We do not want to only sell raw materials. We want to process them domestically so that the added value is enjoyed by the people,” he said.

The president emphasized that control over natural resources is essential for national independence and sovereignty, noting that Indonesia’s wealth has historically been targeted by foreign powers.

He described downstreaming as a demonstration of national resolve to manage resources independently and reduce reliance on external parties.

Prabowo linked the policy to nationalism, saying unity and love of country form the foundation for national revival.

He added that technological advances have made global markets more interconnected, meaning international turbulence can directly affect domestic conditions, including food and energy prices.

He stressed that the downstreaming projects are the result of long‑term planning and development strategies, not short‑term measures, and said Indonesia must build resilience by processing resources domestically.



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