"In 2019, we had managed to produce and use B20 fuel, and this, year we will start with B30. We have been able to reduce the value of oil imports in 2019," Jokowi noted in his state address at the annual session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) here on Friday.
The president remarked that state-owned oil company PT Pertamina is currently cooperating with researchers that have created the catalyst for D100 green diesel, which is diesel fuel made from 100-percent palm oil.
"The production trial was accomplished at our two refineries," he stated.
This will facilitate the absorption of at least a million tons of farmer-produced palm for 20 thousand barrels of production capacity daily.
The head of state also underscored the massive downstreaming of raw materials, such as coal processing into methanol and gas.
"Several refineries are being constructed to process crude oil into refined oil, and at the same time, they become petrochemical industries that supply high-value products from the downstream industry. Nickel ore is processed into ferro nickel, stainless steel slab, and steel sheet and is developed as the main material for lithium batteries," he elaborated.
Jokowi believes the efforts will help narrow down the current account deficit, boost employment opportunities, and start tackling the domination of fossil energy.
This will also place Indonesia in an even more strategic position in the development of lithium battery, world’s electric vehicle, and future technology producer, he stated.
Earlier, on Thursday (Aug 13), Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Arifin Tasrif has called attention to the criticality of expediting the development of renewable energy in Indonesia as a precautionary measure against the looming economic and energy crises.
Bioenergy is among the potential sources of renewable energy that can be converted into electricity. The energy source has the potential to produce 32.6 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, though currently only 5.8 percent, or some 1,895.7 megawatts, had been explored.
Other potential renewable energy sources that had yet to be utilized optimally are geothermal, with a potential of 23.9 GW; wind energy, 60.6 GW; hydro energy, 75 GW; solar energy, 207.7 GW; and ocean energy.
Only 2.5 percent, or some 10.4 GW of the total 417.8 GW of the country’s renewable energy potential had been explored. Related news: Accelerating renewable energy development is important: minister
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Reporter: Sri Haryati
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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