President Prabowo Subianto has announced that the Merah Putih Cabinet has agreed to increase the number of first-phase downstream projects from 21 to 30. These large-scale industrialization projects are expected to create 8 million jobs.

"We have decided to start this year with nearly 30 major projects. Initially, we planned for 20 or 21, but after reviewing our capacity, we see the potential to reach almost 30 significant projects," Prabowo stated during the inauguration of PT Freeport Indonesia’s gold smelter in Gresik, East Java, on Monday (March 17, 2025).

He emphasized that the government is not only focusing on downstream projects but also on strategic upstream initiatives. Key sectors targeted include agriculture and fisheries.

"These projects will generate substantial foreign exchange while also creating a significant number of jobs. Based on our investment programs starting this year, we estimate that around 8 million jobs will be created," he said.

Prabowo is optimistic that these projects will become a driving force for Indonesia’s future economy. He urged all stakeholders to manage Indonesia’s natural resources responsibly.

"It is now our duty and responsibility to manage these resources properly—with order, good governance, transparency, and full accountability," he added.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia previously revealed that the government had agreed on 21 first-phase downstream projects, with a total investment of USD 40 billion (approximately IDR 659.2 trillion). The funding will be provided by the Investment Management Agency, Daya Anagata Nusantara (BPI Danantara).

According to Bahlil, these projects cover various strategic sectors, including oil and gas, mining, agriculture, and marine industries.

"For 2025, we initially planned around 21 projects in the first phase, with a total investment of approximately USD 40 billion. We have conducted detailed discussions, including identifying the specific investment projects to be developed," Bahlil stated in early March.

The government has mapped out 28 commodities for industrial downstream development, aiming to attract investment worth USD 618.1 billion (approximately IDR 9.79 quadrillion) by 2040. Over the next five years, the focus will be on downstreaming coal, seaweed, and other key commodities.

In addition to investment, the downstreaming of these 28 commodities is projected to generate USD 857.9 billion (approximately IDR 13.59 quadrillion) in export revenues, contribute USD 235.9 billion (approximately IDR 3.73 quadrillion) to the national GDP, and create 3.01 million jobs. If managed effectively, the government estimates that the potential economic impact could reach IDR 9,000 trillion.