President Prabowo Emphasises that Foreign Investment Must Follow Regulations and Support Downstreaming

President Prabowo Subianto has emphasised that openness to foreign investment, including from the United States, will continue to be pursued in accordance with national interests. The government ensures that every investment cooperation must comply with applicable regulations, particularly in the management of natural resources. The President stressed that discussions regarding tariff agreements do not alter the fundamental principles in managing investments in Indonesia. “Regarding critical minerals, I have already said we are open, but everything at market price, at economic price,” Prabowo stated in his remarks on Saturday (21/3). The President explained that the involvement of foreign investors in the mining sector has been ongoing for a long time and is part of the national economic policy. Downstreaming Becomes the Main Requirement for Investment Despite opening opportunities for investment, the government has set the main requirement in the form of a downstreaming obligation in every mining activity. Indonesia does not permit the export of raw materials without undergoing processing in the country. This policy aims to increase the added value of natural resources while strengthening the national industry. Prabowo emphasised that investors can still operate in the mining sector as long as they follow those provisions. He described critical minerals as strategic commodities that must provide maximum economic benefits for the country.