Fajarasia.id – Member of Commission VII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Novita Hardini, underscored the importance of large-scale investment in driving down unemployment and strengthening regional economies. She made the statement during a working visit to PT Lotte Chemical Indonesia in Cilegon on Friday (Nov 21, 2025).
“Major investments are not only about boosting national economic growth, but also ensuring that growth is felt evenly across society, especially at the grassroots level. Lowering unemployment is a crucial indicator, and this is what we continue to monitor as representatives of the people,” Novita said.
Novita highlighted the role of PT Lotte Chemical Indonesia, inaugurated by President Prabowo Subianto, as a cornerstone in revitalizing the country’s petrochemical industry. The sector, she noted, plays a vital role in meeting energy and raw material needs that Indonesia has yet to fully supply domestically.
“This visit is part of our oversight function. There are still regulatory adjustments needed, particularly regarding import tariffs for raw materials,” she added.
Novita praised Lotte’s performance, pointing out that around 70 percent of its production is allocated to domestic needs, with the remainder exported. She described this as a clear sign of the industry’s direct contribution to national development and the strengthening of domestic supply chains.
During the visit, Novita outlined several recommendations:
- Strengthening investment in domestic raw material production to reduce reliance on imports.
- Ensuring transparency and fair participation in the energy supply chain to prevent dominance by a few large players.
- Expanding industrial investment beyond major hubs like Cilegon to other regions, such as East and Central Java, to spread employment opportunities more evenly.
Although Lotte’s investment is substantial, Novita noted that the current workforce of about 1,200 employees is not yet proportional to the scale of the project. She urged the government to encourage expansion into other regions to maximize job creation.
Novita also commended Lotte’s adoption of low-carbon technologies. She emphasized that environmental management should be strengthened and involve more workers in related divisions, ensuring that the benefits of investment extend beyond economic growth to sustainability.***
