President Targets Raising Biodiesel Production to Save Forex
(Antara News) Domestic biodiesel production will reduce diesel imports in order to save up to Rp56 trillion (almost US$4 billion) of foreign exchange in 2021, according to President Joko Widodo. “If we can produce our own biodiesel here and use it as a mixture for diesel, our imports will also drop drastically. In my record/note, in 2020, (we) saved foreign exchange of Rp38 trillion (almost US$2.7 billion). It is estimated that foreign exchange of Rp56 trillion (almost US$4 billion) will be saved in 2021,” the head of state noted in South Kalimantan on Thursday.
Indonesia produces bountiful quantity of crude palm oil that can be used to make biodiesel. According to the president, the potential for crude palm oil production in Indonesia reaches 52 million tons per year. He expected that the immense resource could be processed into other products, including biodiesel. Thus, Indonesia can lower fuel imports and help to boost energy security.
Suppliers and other industries will also be required in the process of transforming crude palm oil into biodiesel, thereby increasing the possibility to create several new jobs. The president emphasized that job creation in the downstreaming of natural resources was an important goal to offer economic benefits to the community.
“Most importantly, create several job opportunities. This is what the public has been waiting for. Build a smelter and create jobs. Creating biodiesel will create jobs,” according to the president. READ MORE
Indonesia is world’s largest biodiesel producer: Hartarto (Antara News)
President Jokowi Targets Raising Biodiesel Production to Save Forex (MSN/Berita)
