Accused Indonesia of Darkness, President Invites Them to Flee to Yemen

President Joko Widodo forcefully rejected claims that Indonesia is regressing under his administration, declaring with conviction that the nation is, in fact, moving towards a brighter future. His strong words, delivered during the groundbreaking of national downstreaming projects, serve as a clear rebuttal to detractors.

The President's invitation for those who perceive Indonesia as "dark" to leave the country, even suggesting a move to Yemen, underscores his frustration with persistent criticism. This firm stance highlights his belief in his administration's direction and his impatience with negativity that he feels undermines national progress.

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Terus kita dibikin apalagi Indonesia gelap, matanya buram Indonesia gelap, Indonesia terang. Ada yang mau kabur, ada yang mau kabur, kabur aja, kabur aja kau ke sana. Mungkin ada yang mau kabur ke Yaman, silakan. Mau kabur ke mana?

Central to the President's vision is the acceleration of industrial downstreaming. He articulated that this strategy is the sole pathway for Indonesia to achieve greater prosperity and energy independence. By processing raw materials domestically and capturing added value, Indonesia can ensure these benefits directly serve its people, moving away from a mere exporter of raw commodities.

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Hilirisasi adalah jalan satu-satunya untuk kita bisa lebih makmur. Kita tidak mau sekadar jual bahan baku, kita mau olah turunan-turunannya di Indonesia supaya nilai tambahnya dinikmati oleh rakyat Indonesia.

This focus on downstreaming is not merely an economic policy; it's framed as a matter of national sovereignty. The President stressed that controlling the entire production chain, from upstream to downstream, within Indonesia is crucial for genuine economic self-reliance. He invoked divine providence, noting the nation's abundant natural resources, and challenged Indonesians to demonstrate the courage and wisdom to manage and protect these gifts for the welfare of all.

From an Indonesian perspective, this narrative of national awakening through resource utilization and industrial self-sufficiency resonates deeply. It counters external narratives that may question our development trajectory, emphasizing our agency and potential. The emphasis on processing resources locally is seen not just as economic prudence but as a vital step towards reclaiming economic independence and ensuring that our nation's wealth benefits Indonesians first and foremost. This is the core of our development story, a story of building a strong, independent nation from our own endowments.

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Yang Maha Kuasa telah memberi karunia kita sumber-sumber yang luar biasa. Tinggal kita pandai mengelola atau tidak, kita berani menjaga atau tidak.