Dian Kusumo
IDXChannel – Minister of Investment and also the Head of Invesment Coordinating Board Bahlil Lahadalia said the government focuses on downstream industries with green energy and green industry approaches. However, Indonesia's steps in fighting for downstreaming did not fully gain support from developed countries.
He revealed that Indonesia is facing a lawsuit from the European Union through the WTO (World Trade Organization) related to the policy of stopping nickel exports carried out in 2019.
"I honestly say, I'm confused by the way of thinking of some developed countries. When Indonesia fights for downstreaming to add value and collaboration with local entrepreneurs, some of these countries do not want to. While they know that a country is developing towards a developed country, one of the instruments is to downstream," said Bahlil.
Furthermore, Bahlil gave examples of policies that were first carried out by developed countries such as Britain, China, and America in downstreaming in order to maintain industrial sovereignty in their respective countries.
"The British in the 16th century when they stopped exporting wool as a textile raw material. America in the 19th and 20th centuries as well. They use progressive taxes on imports in order to better maintain their industrial sovereignty. China in the 80s had 80% TKDN rules and the industry is good now," Bahlil said.
According to him, now is the time for developed and developing countries to build good collaboration and cooperation, in order to build a more just and equitable world economy, by paying attention to green energy and green industries.
In addition, Bahlil also expressed his optimism that Indonesia will become a downstream country in the Southeast Asian region that focuses on natural resource management.
"Watch our show IDX Channel Official Youtube on the Market Headlines Program, Thursday (13/1/2023) with the theme Despite Global Rejection, Government Still Fights for Downstreaming.
(DKH)
