Indonesia is currently entering a new chapter in global competition. With its abundant natural wealth, there is vast potential for resource actualization and downstreaming to bolster the national economy. Nevertheless, Indonesia's natural resources are inherently finite and will deplete over time, especially amidst the pressing demands for the country's planned project accelerations.The acceleration of strategic projects through the utilization of natural resources is aimed at strengthening economic sovereignty and reducing dependence on imported energy and fuel oil (BBM). In line with this, the integration of large-scale Food Estate areas aims to create inclusive national food security for local producers while expanding strategic economic sectors.

As we understand, Indonesia is indeed one of the countries with the highest import volumes in Southeast Asia. According to several studies in 2024, it was recorded that as many as 1 million barrels of fuel entered Indonesia, with Singapore being the largest contributor, totaling 15 trillion barrels from January to December 2024.

Although the aforementioned strategic plans support the strengthening of self-sufficiency and Indonesia's economy on the global stage, there are still "consequences" that must be paid; what is taken from nature will eventually return to its source. Recently, we have witnessed various natural disasters affecting our fellow citizens across several regions in Indonesia. The arrival of tropical cyclones bringing excessive rainfall has triggered flash floods in parts of Sumatra and Java.

On the other hand, coastal areas of Jakarta, such as Ancol and several points in North Jakarta like Kelapa Gading, have also experienced rising sea levels. Although there are discourses regarding the construction of a 500-km Giant Seawall to minimize the impact of sea-level rise, this plan has weaknesses, particularly in terms of the high maintenance costs required.

Other ideas, such as agroforestry or the cultivation of new farmland with highly commercialized crops like palm oil, also fail to be long-term solutions capable of sustaining the livelihoods of the Indonesian people.

As a developing nation with a population still dependent on local natural yields, we must re-evaluate the right steps to prosper the archipelago without sacrificing environmental sustainability and species distribution patterns to maintain the survival of local biota. For instance, the presence of mangrove forests acts as a barrier against tidal surges and retains sediment, thereby preventing erosion from seawater seeping into underground fissures. Another example is the superior water absorption capability of rainforests compared to the roots of palm oil trees, despite both having fibrous root systems.

Furthermore, the intersection of moral values and agrarian conflicts that frequently occur between institutional interests and local residents serves as a signal that downstreaming is not merely a matter of economic growth figures. True downstreaming, food self-sufficiency, and economic development must be able to balance profitability, environmental protection, and social justice for future generations.