During the plant’s inauguration in Cilegon on Thursday, Prabowo said he had invited the seventh president to attend the ceremony in recognition of his role in the project’s early stages.
"I have invited Seventh President Joko Widodo to this event because this factory is one of his achievements. It was under his administration that Indonesia engaged Korean elites in negotiations on this project. He, therefore, deserves to be here," Prabowo stated.
The president added that his predecessor responded via a phone call to express his regret for being unable to attend the event.
"He called me to apologize for his inability to join us here. I told him that I understand his circumstances," Prabowo said.
In his remarks, Prabowo also called on Indonesian citizens to respect and reflect on the contributions of the nation’s past leaders in advancing the country’s progress.
"I would like to remind us all of the importance of honoring the service of all national figures and leaders," he remarked.
Also attending the ceremony were Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Investment and Downstreaming Minister Rosan Roeslani, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, and Foreign Minister Sugiono, among others.
Built with an investment worth around US$4 billion, the newly inaugurated petrochemical plant covers 107.8 hectares, or 1.08 million square meters, and is projected to produce 1,000 kilotons of ethylene annually.
The facility is also designed to manufacture 520 kilotons of propylene, 350 kilotons of polypropylene, 140 kilotons of butadiene, and 400 kilotons of benzene/toluene/xylene per year, employing tens of thousands of workers.
It is the fifth Lotte Chemical plant of its kind, following those located in South Korea, Mexico, the United States, and Malaysia.
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Translator: Andi F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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