Prabowo Issues Presidential Decree On Downstream Task Force, Bahlil Becomes Chair

President Prabowo Subianto issued Presidential Decree No. 1 concerning the Task Force for the Acceleration of National Energy Downstreaming and Resilience. This task force is chaired by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia. Bahlil's appointment as chairman of this task force is contained in Article 7 of this Presidential Decree.

This new regulation states that the formation of this task force is intended to accelerate downstreaming in the fields of minerals and coal, oil and natural gas, agriculture, forestry in marine and fisheries to increase added value in the country.

"In order to realize the acceleration of national energy security through the availability and fulfillment of domestic energy needs, both from oil and gas, coal, electricity, as well as new and renewable energy, a task force for accelerating downstream and national energy security is formed which is subsequently called a task force," reads Article 1 quoted on Friday, January 10.

This task force is under and responsible to President Prabowo Subianto.

There are at least 8 task forces as stated in Article 3, namely, first, increasing coordination of policy formulation/regulation with ministries/agencies and/or local governments.

Second, formulate and set priority standards for business activities, availability and state revenue.

Third, the task force is tasked with mapping, proposing, and establishing business areas that have the potential to accelerate downstreaming and national energy security.

Fourth, the task force is tasked with planning, changes, and utilizing land and sea spatial planning, as well as obtaining and utilizing land/forest areas to accelerate downstreaming and national energy security.

Fifth, the task force is tasked with identifying and recommending strategic projects downstreaming and national energy security that can be financed by banks, non-bank financial institutions, and/or the state budget.

Sixth, the task force can decide quickly on problems and obstacles (debottletracking) which are obstacles.

Seventh, implementing the acceleration of legal and final settlements, the task force can provide administrative recommendations to the heads of ministries/agencies, and/or local governments to officials/employees who hinder the acceleration of downstreaming and national energy security.