"I want the gas prices to be recalculated and their impact on raising the competitive edge of our products and on the added value of downstream industries," the president remarked.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has sought a recalculation of the gas prices, including their impacts on Indonesias competitiveness and added value of the downstream industry in the country.

The president put forth the request while opening a limited cabinet meeting on gas prices for the industry at the Presidential office in Jakarta on Tuesday.

"I want the gas prices to be recalculated and their impact on raising the competitive edge of our products and on the added value of downstream industries," the president remarked.

Jokowi was looking to reaffirm what he had conveyed during a meeting on the same issue held on October 4, 2016.

According to the president, natural gas should not be viewed merely as a commodity but also as an asset for development, which has reinforced the nations industry.

"It would also raise the competitiveness of our industrial products in the global market," the president pointed out.

Jokowi also sought reports from the energy and mineral resources minister and the industry minister on the implementation of Presidential Regulation No. 40 of 2016 on Natural Gas Price.

"Are there any on-field constraints, especially in the seven industrial areas, which are the consumers of subsidized gas. I have information that industries manufacturing fertilizers, steel, and petrochemicals have received subsidized gas," the president revealed.

Industries manufacturing oleo-chemicals, glass, ceramics, and rubber gloves have not received the same subsidy.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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