Prabowo prepares a US $6 billion refinery project to boost energy self-sufficiency

Balikpapan - President Prabowo Subianto emphasized the target of national energy self-sufficiency. He assessed that Indonesia was actually capable, but until now it did not have a strong will in management and decision-making.

"We are able. So far, in my opinion, there is no will," said Prabowo in his speech when inaugurating the Pertamina Balikpapan Integrated Oil Refinery, January 12.

Prabowo revealed that the government would start 10 to 11 downstream projects in the near future with a value of around 6 billion dollars. In addition, tenders for 34 waste to energy projects will also be opened to convert waste into electricity.

He said the accumulation of garbage in cities was at an alarming stage and had the potential to become a disaster. The projects are expected to take about two years to be fully operational.

The President also touched on the achievement of the nutritious meal program which was previously doubted by many parties. Currently, the program has reached 58 million beneficiaries, including pregnant women and the elderly who are delivered food to their homes.

"A country that was considered to be nothing, today can feed 58 million people every day," said Prabowo.

He targets the number of beneficiaries to increase to 82 million people by December 2026. According to Prabowo, this achievement is now being discussed internationally and is a case study.

In his speech, Prabowo emphasized that Pertamina must return to being a national champion, agent of development, and agent of modernization that is efficient and truly works for the benefit of the nation.