Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry, Todotua Pasaribu, highlighted Indonesia’s coal downstream potential, projecting an investment opportunity of USD 31.82 billion (IDR 523.67 trillion) by 2040. Speaking at the Mining Forum, he emphasized coal regasification as a key strategy, converting coal into gas-based products like coke, methanol, and dimethyl ether (DME) as an alternative to LPG. This initiative aims to provide a cost-effective energy solution for Indonesia.
The roadmap for coal downstreaming is expected to create 23,160 jobs, contribute USD 2.26 billion to GDP, and boost exports by USD 11.3 billion. Despite past challenges, including investor withdrawals from the DME project, the Indonesian government, under President Prabowo Subianto, is committed to self-financing the initiative using national resources. DME projects will be developed in South Sumatra, East Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan, reinforcing Indonesia’s push for energy security and industrial growth.
