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Senin, 13 Mei 2024

Minister Bahlil Addresses Issues During Meeting with Papuan Students in Australia

Melbourne, May 13, 2024 – Minister of Investment/Head of the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry/BKPM, Bahlil Lahadalia, visited Melbourne, Australia, from May 12-14, 2024. During this official visit, aside from meeting with several investors, the Minister held a dialogue with Indonesian students from Papua upon his arrival in Melbourne on Sunday afternoon (May 12).

The Minister met with eight representatives of Papuan students at an Indonesian restaurant in Melbourne. The students shared their experiences, both challenges and achievements, while pursuing their education in Australia. Moved by their stories, Bahlil personally provided financial assistance to the students.


“Stay strong and keep your spirits high. Your Minister understands the challenges you face. Study well, and prepare yourselves mentally to become entrepreneurs. Fight and compete with others!” Bahlil encouraged.


The Minister of Investment was accompanied by several officials from the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry/BKPM, as well as the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia and Vanuatu, Siswo Pramono, and the Indonesian Consul General in Melbourne, Kuncoro Giri Waseso. His presence in Melbourne was primarily as a keynote speaker at the Indonesia Australia Business Summit (IABS) 2024, organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra in collaboration with the Indonesia Investment Promotion Center (IIPC) in Sydney, the Indonesian Consulate General in Melbourne, and Bank Indonesia.


Downstreaming in Papua

To the Papuan students, Bahlil advised them to maximize their learning opportunities in Australia. He emphasized that the government is committed to advancing development in Papua, particularly through downstreaming initiatives.

“Study well, because the future of Papua will be built. Papua cannot solely rely on special autonomy funds without proper management. These funds are meant to uplift Papuans to be on par with their counterparts in other regions,” said Bahlil.


He further explained that to ensure progress in Papua, the government is focusing on downstreaming efforts, including plans for PT Freeport’s smelter construction in Papua. “With the government holding 61% ownership of Freeport’s shares, the development of a smelter in Papua is becoming increasingly feasible,” he added.


In addition to building a fertilizer factory in Papua, the government is also planning to develop sugar and ethanol industries using sugarcane. Recently, the government established the Task Force for Accelerating Sugar and Bioethanol Self-Sufficiency in Merauke Regency, South Papua Province, through Presidential Decree No. 15 of 2024, signed by President Joko Widodo on April 19, 2024. Minister Bahlil has been appointed as the Chair of the Task Force.


Bahlil highlighted that the acceleration of downstreaming in Papua is part of the government’s efforts to create job opportunities for Papuan students, both domestically and abroad. He cited regions like Morowali and Halmahera, which have developed downstream industries, as examples of creating significant employment opportunities, including in Sorong.


“Sorong is advancing significantly. Its Special Economic Zone competes with industrial zones in North Maluku. Sorong is focusing on fertilizers, while Bintuni is developing blue ethanol. In Nabire, the former Freeport block is being developed. All of this can be achieved if we are ready. Papua has great prospects. Students abroad can either return or gain experience here first to inspire others in Papua. Once equipped with experience, return and contribute,” Bahlil encouraged.


According to 2023 data, 5,279 Indonesian students are pursuing education in Victoria, Australia. These students are supported by various funding sources, including Australia Awards Scholarships, the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP), and Special Autonomy funds.


For further information, please contact:

Ricky Kusmayadi

Head of Communications and Information Services Bureau

Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry/BKPM

E-mail: rickykusmayadi@bkpm.go.id

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