Indonesia Saves Rp 170 Trillion Annually with Biodiesel B50, Claims President Prabowo

President Prabowo Subianto announced that Indonesia has saved Rp 170 trillion (approximately $10 billion USD) annually through the mandatory B50 biodiesel program. He stated that this significant saving is a strategic step towards strengthening national energy resilience and reducing the country's dependence on fuel imports.

"We can now save Rp 170 trillion in foreign exchange. We save $10 billion (USD)," Prabowo said during the launch of the Mandatory Biodiesel B50 program in Karawang, West Java. He credited the savings to the hard work of various ministries in promoting the use of energy derived from national resources. This initiative is part of a larger government strategy to bolster economic independence and ensure that Indonesia's natural wealth benefits the welfare of its people.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia added that the B50 mandate helps save foreign exchange by decreasing the need for diesel imports. This represents an increase from the B40 program, which previously saved Rp 133.3 trillion. Beyond foreign exchange savings, the B50 program is projected to increase the added value of crude palm oil (CPO) from Rp 20.92 trillion to approximately Rp 23.49 trillion. It is also expected to create around 2.1 million jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 44.46 million tons of CO2 by 2026.

Prabowo also mentioned other efficiency efforts, such as combating commodity smuggling, which he believes could save an additional $2-3 billion USD. These combined measures aim to enhance national economic self-sufficiency and energy security, ensuring that domestic resources contribute more significantly to the nation's prosperity.