Serpong — President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto issued a strong ultimatum to government officials on Wednesday, demanding the simplification of regulatory processes to attract greater foreign investment in the country’s oil and gas sector.
Speaking at the opening of the 49th Indonesian Petroleum Association (IPA) Convention and Exhibition in ICE BSD City, South Tangerang, Prabowo underscored Indonesia’s vast energy potential and criticized the regulatory red tape that continues to impede investment.
“Our energy potential is immense,” he said. “I received a report detailing dozens of oil and gas blocks ready to be offered on a large scale. I’m calling on all regulatory agencies: simplify the regulations. Let me repeat—simplify the regulations.”
Prabowo made it clear he would not tolerate officials who resist reform. He warned that bureaucrats who continue to complicate processes would be removed from their positions.
“There’s a tendency—not just in Indonesia, but we’re experts at it here—to create regulations that are so complex, we end up tying ourselves in knots,” he said. “That has to stop. Any official unwilling to simplify the rules will be replaced. We have many bright young people waiting for the opportunity to serve.”
Government officials, Prabowo stressed, are public servants whose job is to create a favorable investment climate in the interest of national progress.
“Those who are slow, lazy, or stuck in outdated ways of thinking must step aside,” he declared. “We will sideline anyone who doesn’t do their job well.”
“Streamline every process. Build the best possible investment climate for all parties—both foreign and domestic—who are ready to work,” he added.
Prabowo also highlighted Indonesia’s significant potential in renewable energy, including solar, hydro, and wind power. He expressed confidence that the country will not only achieve energy self-sufficiency but eventually become an energy exporter.
“We are extremely optimistic that very soon, Indonesia will not only be energy independent—we will be exporting energy to the world,” he concluded.
