"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.
Related news: Indonesia succeeds as biodiesel pioneer: ESDM Ministry
The production of domestic biodiesel is also expected to maintain and regulate stability in the price of crude palm oil in the global market. This is since crude palm oil products from Indonesia are not immediately exported. Indonesia has several options to optimize the contribution of crude palm oil for national economic interests.
“We have alternatives and options. Ensure the stability in demands and the demand of palm oil farmers, as well as ensure that it has an effect on the welfare of the wider community," he elaborated.
President Jokowi lauded PT Jhonlin Group for building a biodiesel factory to downstream the crude palm oil industry to produce biodiesel. The biodiesel factory in Tanah Bumbu, which was officiated by the president, belongs to PT Jhonlin Agro Raya.
Jokowi also informed that the government had encouraged the construction of smelters for other raw commodities that are abundant in Indonesia, for instance, nickel and copper. Nickel ore can be processed in Indonesia to make products ranging from lithium batteries and other components for automotive products and electric cars.
The government has also begun the construction of the PT Freeport Indonesia copper smelter in Gresik, East Java, with a processing capacity of 1.7 million tons of concentrate per year. It also has a production capacity of 600 thousand tons of copper.
"We will continuously encourage domestic companies to process everything, from raw materials to semi-finished goods or finished goods," Jokowi noted.
President Jokowi's entourage comprised State Secretary Minister Pratikno, State-owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir, South Kalimantan Governor Sahbirin Noor, and Head of Tanah Bumbu District Zairullah Azhar. (INE) Related news: Indonesia is world's largest biodiesel producer: Hartarto
Related news: First-semester biodiesel consumption reached 4.36 million kl: Ministry
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Indra Arief P, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Suharto
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