Developing E-fuels, Pertamina NRE Cooperates with French Company

Decarbonization in the transportation sector requires innovative solutions. Responding to this challenge, Pertamina NRE collaborated with a French company, MGH Energy, to explore breakthroughs in the development of e-fuels, namely fuel from renewable energy sources.

Pertamina NRE CEO, John Anis explained, along with the government’s fairly aggressive target in developing electricity from renewable energy, of course the opportunity to develop e-fuels is getting bigger and of course will support national energy resilience and self-sufficiency. Some of those included in e-fuels are e-methanol and eSAF.

E-methanol is a methanol material produced through a combination of hydrogen produced from water electrolysis using renewable energy and captured carbon dioxide. Methanol or E methanol is commonly used in the shipping industry and the chemical industry. Meanwhile, eSAF or e-sustainable aviation fuel is a synthetic fuel for airplanes that is produced using an electrolysis process with renewable energy sources such as solar, water, or wind.

“Indonesia has enormous potential for renewable resources, from solar to hydro, which can be the foundation for industrial-scale e-fuels production,” said John Anis in a written statement, Wednesday (4/6/2025).

In addition, John stated, this strategic collaboration is not only one of the hopes for developing innovative solutions for decarbonization but also has the potential to create technology transfer and accelerate the EBT mix in Indonesia. Globally, the development of e-fuels and eSAF has become part of the major clean energy agenda in various countries. Germany, for example, has operated a large-scale e-fuel plant in Patagonia, while Japan and the United States are encouraging research and fiscal incentives for eSAF. By engaging in this trend, Indonesia is not only responding to global climate pressures but also taking advantage of new economic opportunities arising from the energy transition.

In the future, support from the regulatory side, fiscal incentives, infrastructure investment, and increasing human resource capacity will be the key to the success of the development and commercialization of e-fuels in Indonesia. If managed properly, Indonesia can become one of the largest clean fuel production centers in ASEAN and support domestic needs while answering global market challenges.

Meanwhile, VP Corporate Communication of PT Pertamina (Persero), Fadjar Djoko Santoso added, Pertamina NRE has an important role in the utilization of new and renewable energy. Synergy with various partners is needed to carry out the vision of new renewable energy optimally, while supporting the achievement of the Government’s net zero emission (NZE) target which can be achieved faster with the involvement of various stakeholders.

For information, Pertamina NRE and MGH Energy have just signed a joint memorandum of understanding for the development of e-fuels on May 28, 2025, at the Indonesia-France Business Forum. MGH Energy is a company MGH (Mobility Green Horizon) Energy is a French company that focuses on reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector, especially in maritime and air transportation. They are developing projects to replace fossil fuels with renewable synthetic fuels, such as e-methanol and e-jet, to support the transition to low-carbon transportation.

June 4, 2025, CNBC Indonesia

(https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20250604150040-4-638565/pertamina-nre-gandeng-perusahaan-asal-prancis-kembangkan-e-fuels)

Indonesian and Japanese Companies Cooperate to Develop Halal Products

The Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) supports business actors in the food and beverage industry to be more innovative and globally competitive. Therefore, the government is also encouraging domestic food and beverage companies to collaborate with international partners. This step aims to transfer technology and knowledge and expand export market expansion. Moreover, so far, the food and beverage industry has been one of the sectors that has received priority for development because it plays an important role in supporting the national economy.

“The food and beverage industry has become the backbone of the non-oil and gas processing industry, with a significant contribution to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and job creation,” said Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita in a written statement, Monday (2/6/2025).

One example of international cooperation that has just been realized in the food and beverage industry sector is between PT Niramas Pandaan Sejahtera (NPS) and Tarami Corporation from Japan. PT NPS is a subsidiary of PT Niramas Utama (NU), a producer of food and beverage products with the INACO trademark. Meanwhile, Tarami Corporation is the number one fruit jelly producer in Japan based in Nagasaki and is part of DyDo Group Holdings Ltd.

Through this collaboration, NPS produces fruit jelly in cup packaging with high standards equivalent to production standards in Japan through the Japan Quality Line, a special production line that guarantees the safety, quality, and deliciousness of products equivalent to products produced in Nagasaki, Japan.

This project is also supported by Kawasho Foods Corporation (Tokyo, Japan) which is a partner in procuring some of the raw materials. The entire production process, from raw materials to the final product, is carried out in a halal manner and in accordance with internationally recognized halal certification standards.

NPS President Director Adhi S. Lukman, said that with the existing facilities, as well as a good work ethic, his party believes that this collaboration will run well and sustainably. The company is also committed to continuing to present healthy, safe, and high-quality products for Muslim consumers around the world.

“We also appreciate our partners for the work ethic improvement program for our human resources so that they can be more productive and efficient and able to produce product quality equivalent to Japanese products,” he said.

By combining innovation, halal values, and Japanese quality, the collaboration between NPS, Tarami Corporation and Kawasho Food Corporation is expected to be an example of cross-country synergy that produces real benefits for the global community, especially Muslim consumers who are increasingly aware of the importance of quality halal products.

June 2, 2025, detikFinance

(https://finance.detik.com/industri/d-7945355/perusahaan-ri-jepang-kerja-bareng-garap-produk-halal)

Indonesia Inaugurates IDR 96.04 Trillion EV Battery Project, Collaboration with Chinese Company

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated the laying of the first stone or groundbreaking of the largest electric vehicle (EV) battery ecosystem project in Asia, in Karawang, West Java, today, Sunday (6/29/2025). The largest EV battery industry project in Asia has a total investment from upstream to downstream reaching US$ 5.9 billion, equivalent to IDR 96.04 trillion (assuming an exchange rate of IDR 16,278 per US$). The project is operated by PT Aneka Tambang (Antam), PT Indonesia Battery Corporation (IBC), and a Chinese company, Ningbo Contemporary Brunp Lygend Co. Ltd. (CBL), which is a joint venture between CATL, Brunp and Lygend.

In this inauguration, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto stated that this groundbreaking has historical and strategic value. Therefore, he took the time to attend it. In fact, the ideals of downstreaming have been around for a long time, namely from the first President of the Republic of Indonesia, Soekarno, to the 7th President, Joko Widodo, who actually started the program.

“This groundbreaking is proof of the seriousness of our leaders in collaborating with our partners and our friends in China. We can work together with a program that I think can be said to be colossal, it can be said to be an extraordinary breakthrough,” explained Prabowo.

The Largest Integrated Battery Industry Project in Asia. The project consists of a total of six joint ventures (Joint Ventures/JVs) ranging from upstream to downstream projects. In detail, JVs one to three are battery ecosystems on the upstream side. Meanwhile, JVs four to six are battery ecosystems on the downstream side.

Upstream:

JV 1: Nickel mining project of PT Sumberdaya Arindo (SDA) with a production capacity of 7.8 million wet metric tons (wmt) of saprolite nickel and 6 million wmt of limonite, a total of 13.8 million wmt with a share ownership portion of PT Antam of 51% and CBL of 49%. This project has started production since 2023. JV 2: Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF) nickel refining and processing facility (smelter) project of PT Feni Haltim (FHT) with a capacity of 88 thousand tons of refined nickel alloy per year with a share ownership portion of CBL of 60% and PT Antam of 40%. This project is targeted to start production in 2027. JV 3: High Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) nickel refining and processing facility project (HPAL JVCO) PT Nickel Cobalt Halmahera (HPAL JVCO) with a capacity of 55 thousand tons of MHP per year with a share ownership portion of CBL 70% and PT Antam 30%. This project is targeted to start production in 2028.

Downstream:

JV 4: Battery material project that will produce cathode materials, cobalt sulfate, and ternary precursors with a capacity of 30 thousand tons of Li-hydroxide located in East Halmahera, North Maluku with a share ownership portion of CBL 70% and PT IBC 30%. This project is targeted to start production in 2028. JV 5: Battery cell project PT Contemporary Amperex Technology Indonesia Battery (CATIB) located in Artha Industrial Hill (AIH) & Karawang New Industry City (KNIC). This project is divided into phase 1 with a capacity of 6.9 GWh/year and phase 2 with a capacity of 8.1 GWh/year, a total capacity of 15 GWh/year. Meanwhile, CBL’s share ownership portion is 70% and PT IBC’s is 30%. This project is targeted to start production in 2026 for phase 1, and in 2028 for phase 2. JV 6: The battery recycling project is located in East Halmahera, North Maluku with a capacity of 20 thousand tons of metal/year with CBL’s share ownership portion of 60% and PT IBC’s is 40%. This project is targeted for 2031. Specifically for JV 5, phase 1 of the Li-ion battery cell project is targeted to start operating completely by the end of 2026. Meanwhile, in the second phase of the JV 5 project, which will later operate with a capacity of up to 15 GWh/year, it is targeted to operate in 2028.

June 29, 2025, CNBC Indonesia(https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20250629145258-4-644692/prabowo-resmikan-proyek-baterai-ev-ri-rp9604-triliun-ini-pemiliknya)

Five Important Points of the Indonesia-Malaysia Bilateral Meeting

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met with Malaysian Prime Minister (PM) Anwar Ibrahim at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Friday (6/27/2025). The meeting resulted in a number of important agreements, ranging from accelerating bilateral cooperation to handling strategic issues such as borders and joint regional development. The meeting was attended by a number of high-ranking Indonesian officials, including Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Minister of Investment Rosan Roeslani, and Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid.

Similar Countries and Establishing Strategic Partnerships. Prabowo said that the meeting between himself and PM Anwar discussed, among other things, bilateral issues between the two countries, as well as ASEAN regional issues, and global issues. The two leaders also agreed to accelerate cooperation in various strategic sectors, ranging from economy, trade, science, education, to culture. One of the crucial issues discussed was the resolution of border issues where both countries have a strong commitment to resolving the issue in order to strengthen friendship and cooperation.

Support Palestinian Independence and a Peaceful Solution to the Middle East Conflict. Prabowo said that Indonesia and Malaysia have the same view on the importance of a peaceful resolution in the conflict area. Both countries also agreed to fully support Palestinian independence.

“Regarding Palestine, we continue to support Palestinian independence. Only a two-state solution can end the conflict. Indonesia and Malaysia see the need for global collective efforts to encourage peaceful resolution of conflicts,” said Prabowo.

On the other hand, Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim also emphasized the importance of ASEAN’s role and bilateral cooperation in facing various global challenges. He expressed his appreciation for Indonesia’s leadership in the region, including in responding to conflicts in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

“In dealing with, for example, tariff issues and issues of restraints on international relations, our strengths are domestic strength, bilateral strength, and ASEAN strength. And we must foster this with the spirit that exists among the leaders,” said PM Anwar.

Resolve Border Issues and Regional Collaboration. Border issues are also one of the main focuses of the meeting between the two countries. RI-Malaysia are committed to resolving border issues peacefully and quickly in order to strengthen bilateral relations. Anwar said that resolving maritime and border issues would open up opportunities for broader regional collaboration, including within the ASEAN framework.

Solution for Ambalat. Specifically, for the Ambalat region, Indonesia and Malaysia have agreed to implement a joint development approach as a short-term solution while waiting for legal settlement.

“For example, the Ambalat problem, we agreed that while we resolve legal issues, we want to start with economic cooperation that we call joint development. Whatever we find at sea, we will exploit it together,” Prabowo explained. Meanwhile, Anwar supports this approach, emphasizing that economic cooperation does not need to be delayed by a long legal process.

Maximize Trade & Investment Potential. In addition, RI-Malaysia agree that the trade and investment potential between Indonesia and Malaysia has not been optimally developed. “Our investment and trade potential is very large, but it has not been maximized. This is detrimental considering our close relationship,” Anwar said.

To that end, they are committed to taking concrete steps to increase economic cooperation, including in the trade, investment, education, and cultural sectors.

June 27, 2025, CNBC Indonesia

(https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20250627204818-4-644491/5-poin-penting-pertemuan-prabowo-dan-pm-malaysia-anwar-ibrahim)

Bali International Hospital, Presenting World Class Facilities

President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated the Bali International Hospital (BIH) in Sanur, Denpasar. The hospital with international standard facilities is managed by PT Pertamina Bina Medika Indonesia Healthcare Corporation (IHC), a subsidiary of Pertamina. The inauguration of BIH is part of the first phase of the development of the Sanur Special Economic Zone (KEK). Prabowo emphasized the importance of superior health facilities in Indonesia as a large and dynamic country.

“Indonesia is a large, dynamic country, and must have the best facilities. We must become a service center, able to accept patients from Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and others,” said Prabowo in his statement, Thursday (6/26/2025).

Meanwhile, Pertamina President Director Simon Aloysius Mantiri stated that Pertamina through its subsidiary, Pertamina Bina Medika IHC, supports the government’s program in developing superior health facilities in the regions as a form of public health services.

“We encourage Pertamina Bina Medika IHC to present a world-class hospital so that the Indonesian people can enjoy modern health facilities with a comfortable environment,” he said.

On the other hand, the President Director of IHC, Major General TNI (Ret.) Dr. dr. Lukman Ma’ruf, said that BIH presents international quality services to the place closest to the heart, namely Bali.

“This is where the latest medical technology, global expertise, and world standards meet with local tranquility and wisdom. We believe that the Indonesian people deserve the best care without having to go far. In Bali, healing will now feel closer, more enjoyable, and more meaningful,” he explained.

BIH is built on an area of ​​67,465 m², with a capacity of 255 beds. BIH also has centers of excellence (Centers of Excellence) in the fields of Cardiology, Oncology, Neurology, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, and Orthopedic (CONGO). BIH is also supported by strategic partnerships with global institutions, such as SingHealth (Singapore), Icon Cancer Center (Australia), Sapporo Cardiovascular Clinic (Japan), and Innoquest (Singapore).

“All services will run with the support of a team of trained specialists and the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technology,” added Dr. Lukman.

The inauguration of BIH was attended by a number of Ministers of the Red and White Cabinet, President Commissioner of PT Pertamina (Persero) Mochamad Iriawan, President Director of PT Pertamina (Persero) Simon Aloysius Mantiri, President Director of PT Pertamina Bina Medika IHC, Major General TNI (Ret.) Dr. dr. Lukman Ma’ruf, and President Director of BIH dr. Dewi F. Fitriana.

Pertamina as a leading company in the field of energy transition is committed to supporting the 2060 net zero emission target by continuing to encourage programs that have a direct impact on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). All of these efforts are in line with the implementation of Environmental, Social, & Governance (ESG) across all of Pertamina’s business lines and operations.

June 26, 2025, detikFinance

(https://finance.detik.com/infrastruktur/d-7982972/prabowo-resmikan-bali-international-hospital-hadirkan-fasilitas-kelas-dunia)

Indonesian Pulp & Paper Product Exports Reach IDR 131 Trillion

The Ministry of Industry is trying to maintain the availability of industrial salt to support production activities in the pulp and paper industry sector. Through this effort, it is hoped that the performance of the pulp and paper industry will increasingly contribute significantly to the national economy. The Director General of Agro Industry of the Ministry of Industry, Putu Juli Ardika explained that industrial salt is used in Chlor-Alkali CAP to produce chlorine, sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and hydrogen through the electrolysis process of salt solutions.

“These basic chemical products are an important part of the bleaching process, breaking down wood fibers, controlling pH, to the formation of final products in the pulp and paper industry,” said Putu in his statement in Jakarta, Thursday (26/6).

Based on February 2025 data, the pulp and paper industry in Indonesia recorded an export value of US$ 8.09 billion or IDR 131.05 trillion (exchange rate of IDR 16,200. In detail, the pulp industry contributed US$ 3.56 billion, while the paper industry reached US$ 4.44 billion.

“This positive performance also contributes to the provision of employment, with direct employment of 288 thousand people and indirect employment of around 1.2 million people,” he said.

On a separate occasion, the Indonesian Pulp and Paper Association (APKI) conveyed the need for government support to fulfill industrial salt which is very important for the pulp and paper industry. APKI hopes that the government can facilitate these needs in order to support the sustainability and growth of the industry.

“Industrial salt is not just an auxiliary material, but a vital component in the production process in the pulp and paper sector. This need cannot be fully met domestically because of the very strict technical specifications,” said APKI Deputy Chairman Irsyal Yasman.

Furthermore, Irsyal said, on average The industrial salt requirement for the pulp and paper industry is 760 thousand tons per year with an average specification of a minimum sodium chloride content of 97%, a maximum water content of 2.5%, a maximum calcium of 0.045%, and a maximum magnesium of 0.026%.

“Unfortunately, currently domestic supply has not been able to meet these needs consistently, both in terms of quality and quantity,” he said.

June 26, 2025, detikFinance(https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-7982950/ekspor-produk-pulp-paper-ri-tembus-rp-131-triliun)

Indonesia-Russia Bilateral Meeting: Nuclear to Oil and Gas Cooperation

President Prabowo Subianto has held a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, at the Konstantinovsky Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia, Thursday (6/19/2025). In the meeting, there were several collaborations that had been agreed upon between the two countries. Putin said that Indonesia is an important trading partner of Russia in the Southeast Asia region. This is evidenced by the total trade value of the two countries reaching US$ 4.3 billion in 2024 and increasing by 40% in the last 4 months in 2025.

In addition, Putin also revealed that the bilateral meeting was warm and opened up many opportunities for cooperation in various strategic sectors. Such as in the field of nuclear energy development.

“We also want to realize nuclear projects in the peaceful sector, including health, staff training,” said Putin.

He also revealed that the two countries are interested in increasing cooperation in the field of advanced technology, such as the use of outer space, smart cities, and artificial intelligence.  In the oil and gas sector, Putin also revealed that Russia is willing to increase the supply of oil and liquefied natural gas to the Indonesian market. In addition, Russia also agreed to help Indonesia increase oil and gas production.

“We are willing to participate in new projects on the Indonesian offshore and also modernize infrastructure to boost oil production from old fields,” Putin said.

On the same occasion, Prabowo said that the meeting was intense and productive, where there was an increase in cooperation in various economic fields. At that time, Prabowo also offered Russia to increase the number of direct flights to other cities in Indonesia. In addition, Prabowo also expressed his desire to increase the number of Indonesian students to Russia, through Indonesian government scholarships. He also expressed his appreciation for Russia’s support for Indonesia’s membership in the BRICS alliance and the free trade cooperation agreement.

“I also welcome the agreement between Indonesia and Russia in our role in the Eurasian Economic Union,” Prabowo said.

In the series of events, Prabowo and Putin also witnessed the exchange of a number of bilateral cooperation documents. The cooperation documents include: 1. Agreement between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation on Cooperation in the Field of Higher Education; 2. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia and the Ministry of Transportation of the Russian Federation on Cooperation in the Transportation Sector; 3. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Communication and Digital of the Republic of Indonesia and the Ministry of Digital Development, Communication, and Mass Media of the Russian Federation on cooperation in the field of digital development and mass media; 4. Memorandum of Understanding between the Daya Anagata Nusantara Investment Management Agency (DANANTARA) and the Joint Stock Company “Management Company of Russian Direct Investment Fund”.

In addition, during the meeting, President Putin and President Prabowo also agreed to the “Declaration of Strategic Partnership between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Indonesia”. The exchange of cooperation documents reflects a new direction in the increasingly broad and multidimensional bilateral relations between Indonesia and Russia, ranging from education and the digital economy, to investment, transportation, and strengthening connectivity between strategic institutions.

June 20, 2025, CNBC Indonesia

(https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20250620090352-4-642505/ini-hasil-pertemuan-prabowo-putin-kerja-sama-nuklir-hingga-migas)

Energy Security: Prabowo Inaugurates IDR 9.8 Trillion Natuna Oil Project

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has just inaugurated the initial production of two oil and gas projects, namely the Forel-Bronang Field and the Terubuk Field, offshore in the Natuna Sea, Riau Islands, today, Friday (16/5/2025).

“By saying Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, this afternoon, Friday, May 16, 2025, I, Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, inaugurate the initial production of the Forel and Terubuk Oil Fields. Thank you. Good luck,” said Prabowo online, Friday (16/5/2025).

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia said that the two oil and gas fields are operated by Medco E&P Natuna Ltd, a subsidiary of PT Medco Energi Internasional Tbk (MEDC). The total investment for the two oil fields is estimated to reach US$ 600 million or around IDR 9.85 trillion (assuming an exchange rate of IDR 16,424 per US$) and and is able to create jobs for approximately 2,300 people during the construction period.

He said that these two projects have a large Domestic Component Level (TKDN), both in terms of labor and oil collection vessels. The Forel Project and the Terubuk Project are part of the development of oil and gas potential in the South Natuna Working Area, Block B, Natuna Sea, Riau Islands Province. On this occasion, he also said that national oil lifting production is expected to increase to 900,000-1 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2029-2030.

“In order to translate the direction of the President’s policy that has been planned in 2029-2030 we must create our production of around 900 thousand barrels or up to 1 million barrels (per day), so we report that in general, in 2024, our lifting will reach 580 thousand barrels. In the 2025 State Budget, thanks to the hard work of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources team, SKK Migas, and all KKKS who are working hard in the field, we report, ask for support, God willing, the State Budget target and the President’s target we will be able to realize by the end of 2025,” he explained.

The Forel-Bronang project itself is located in the Natuna Sea Offshore, Riau Islands with an oil production capacity of 9,900 barrels per day (bpd) and gas production of 42 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD). Meanwhile, the first oil and gas production of the Forel-Bronang Natuna project was carried out on May 12, 2025, through Well A-01 at WHP Forel to FPSO (Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading) Marlin Natuna. The production flow rate of well A-01 reached 5,000 bpd or equivalent to 0.86% of national production. The development of this project requires an investment of around US$ 250 million equivalent to IDR 4.1 trillion (assuming an exchange rate of IDR16,410 per US$) with details of drilling and completion investment of US$ 133 million equivalent to IDR 2.18 trillion and production facility investment of US$ 117 million equivalent to IDR 1.92 trillion.

Terubuk Siput FieldTerubuk Siput Field, South Natuna Sea Block B Working Area is located in the Offshore Natuna Sea, Riau Islands. The project made its first production at the end of April 2025. The initial production of the Terubuk Siput Field itself was in the form of gas reaching 12.6 MMSCFD or equivalent to 0.18% of national production and oil of 4,240 bpd or 0.73% of national production. Meanwhile, the development of the project requires an investment of around US$ 540 million or equivalent to IDR 8.85 trillion with a breakdown of drilling investment of US$ 254 million or equivalent to IDR 4.16 trillion and production facility investment of US$ 286 million or equivalent to IDR 4.69 trillion.

May 16, 2025, CNBC Indonesia

(https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20250516174259-4-633906/baru-diresmikan-prabowo-proyek-minyak-di-natuna-telan-rp-98-triliun)

Gorontalo Exports 10,000 Tons of Wood Pellets to Japan and South Korea

Gorontalo Governor Gusnar Ismail officially released the export of 10,000 tons of wood pellets from Lalape Port, Popayato Timur District, Pohuwato Regency, produced by PT Biomasa Jaya Abadi (BJA) which will be sent to Japan and South Korea. PT BJA, which has invested IDR 1.52 trillion in Gorontalo, has now exported 34 times with a total volume of 376,271 tons and an export value of around US$52 million or IDR 780 billion.

“Wood pellets from Gorontalo cover around 51%-52% of national products exported to Japan and Korea. The export value has reached around US$52 million, which has a significant impact on the Gorontalo economy. That is the reason we came here to review it directly,” said Gusnar Ismail, quoted on Wednesday (14/5/2025).

Gusnar emphasized that Pohuwato Regency has a strategic role in boosting the regional economy. This can be seen from the achievement of Gorontalo’s economic growth which recorded a figure of 6.07% in the first quarter of 2025, the fourth highest nationally. One of the main factors driving this growth is the existence of various investments, including investments made by PT BJA.

“Pohuwato is one of the areas that has a lot of investment, and we hope that this investment ecosystem can be well established through cooperation between the government, the community, and companies,” continued Gusnar.

He also emphasized the importance of nature conservation and attention to the welfare of the surrounding community. He hopes that PT BJA can pay attention to environmental sustainability by balancing the number of trees cut down with the number of trees replanted. In addition, Gusnar appreciated the absorption of local workers by PT BJA. Of the 1,200 workers employed, around 69% of them come from the local area. This is considered important so that the economic impact of this investment can be directly felt by the surrounding community. The export of wood pellets from Gorontalo shows the great potential of the natural resources sector to support regional economic growth while providing a positive impact on the local community through job creation. With investment continuing to grow, Gorontalo is expected to continue to contribute to the national economy.

May 14, 2025, detikTravel

(https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-7914008/gorontalo-ekspor-10-000-ton-wood-pellet-ke-jepang-korsel)

Lion Group Aircraft Workshop to be the Largest in the World

Lion Group’s aircraft workshop, Batam Aero Technic (BAT) has the potential to be the largest in the world. The workshop can repair dozens of aircraft at once. According to Lion Group Founder Rusdi Kirana, his company’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility can now accommodate 23 aircraft. Not only does it carry out repairs or maintenance on aircraft owned by Lion Group, but this facility can also accommodate other airlines.

“Later at the end of the year there will be around 27 percent, so it will be the largest aircraft workshop in the world. This is one of the reasons we can survive the onslaught of the dollar, the tariff war. We survive because we have our own workshop, we will continue with other airlines, so technical excellence.” he said happily.

As an MRO center in the Southeast Asia region, BAT is expected to be able to attract domestic and international airlines to carry out aircraft maintenance in Indonesia, so that it will increase the flow of business from abroad and make Indonesia a regional MRO hub. With the number of facilities continuing to grow, BAT certainly needs more human resources (HR). Currently, Lion Group is carrying out certification for the Kirana Polytechnic.

It is expected that the Polytechnic can operate in July and will recruit hundreds of prospective students. As a college, Kirana Polytechnic has four study programs, namely: 1. Aviation Industry Logistics; 2. Avionics Engineering Technology; 3. Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Technology; 4. Advanced Aviation Technology and Ecosystem.

“We hope that Kirana Polytechnic can operate and will focus on educating good engineers. That’s all scholarships.”

May 10, 2025, detikTravel

(https://travel.detik.com/travel-news/d-7908269/bengkel-pesawat-lion-group-bakal-jadi-yang-terbesar-sedunia)