Indonesia can transform into a powerful maritime country by solidifying its economy through the industrial downstreaming policy, according to the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment. Downstream could increase our production and boost the added value of our products and services as stated by the Ministry's Deputy for Maritime and Energy Sovereignty Coordination. The downstreaming policy would result in the industrialization of commodities with higher added value and realize equitable investments in all regions of Indonesia, he observed. He noted that in 2020, Indonesia raked in as much as US$4.73 billion from exports of nickel and its processed products, a significant increase from US$2.59 billion in 2019. The value of those exports continued to increase in the 2021 and 2022 periods.
He said this trend proves that downstreaming efforts could strengthen the economic resilience of Indonesia. Furthermore, he noted that Indonesia needs to continue to make utmost efforts to keep its waters clean, healthy, and productive, in the hopes of emerging as a strong maritime country. Based on the Indonesian Ocean Health Index (IKLI), the nation has seen improvements in the condition of its waters in the past three years. To become a strong maritime country, Indonesia also needs to produce innovative and distinctive talents capable of managing and developing the country's maritime potential. The ministry has routinely implemented the Maritime Literacy Month Program, which aims to provide Indonesian youths with adequate maritime knowledge. It has been running the program for the past two years, which has involved organizing activities that could broaden Indonesian youths' insights on maritime affairs, he informed. Indonesia could utilize the Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum to demonstrate its commitment to becoming a superior maritime nation. Indonesia also participated in the establishment of the forum to strengthen its leadership in the international arena. Delegates from 51 member countries of the forum are scheduled to gather at the 2023 AIS Forum Summit, which will take place in Bali Province on October 10 and 11.
