Cilacap, C. Java (ANTARA) – CEO of Danantara Investment Management Agency Rosan Roeslani stated that the second phase of downstreaming, covering 13 projects, aims to strengthen energy security and create up to 600,000 jobs.He detailed that these projects cover the energy and mineral sectors, including the construction of a coal processing facility to produce dimethyl ether (DME) as a substitute for LPG imports.”Around 80 percent of our LPG needs still come from imports. With this project, we want to reduce this dependence,” he said at the groundbreaking of the second phase of downstreaming projects in Cilacap, Central Java, on Wednesday.The second phase is a continuation of the first phase, which encompassed 11 locations, with the total number of projects now spread across various strategic areas, he added.According to him, these projects consist of five projects in the energy sector, five projects in the mineral sector, and three other projects related to the industrial and technology support sectors.Rosan added that all projects have gone through a lengthy process, from review to planning, so they are expected to be carried out soon.He also emphasized that one of the main benefits of the downstreaming program is import reduction, particularly in the energy sector.”If we look at it, import reductions from these projects could reach around US$3.4 billion per year,” he noted.These projects are being carried out by various state-owned enterprises (SOEs), including Pertamina, MIND ID, and Krakatau Steel, with financing and acceleration support from Danantara.”This is a joint collaboration between SOEs, and we are encouraging the acceleration of previously planned projects as well,” he said.Rosan further revealed the government’s plan to continue to the third phase of downstreaming, which is estimated to include around six additional projects with a larger investment value.”For the third phase, the value could reach around US$10 billion,” he said.He said that projects in the next phase will not only focus on energy and minerals but will also begin to expand into other sectors such as plantations and aquaculture.Rosan emphasized that all downstreaming programs will continue to be implemented with good governance principles and careful planning to deliver optimal results for the national economy.With the program continuing into the next phase, the government is optimistic that downstreaming can become a key pillar in strengthening energy security, reducing imports, and increasing the competitiveness of the national industry.