Prabowo Launches Indonesia's B50 Biodiesel Program, Declares Nation First Globally

President Prabowo Subianto has officially launched Indonesia's mandatory B50 biodiesel program, a significant step he declared makes the nation the first globally to implement such a standard nationally. The B50 program requires a 50% blend of palm oil-based biodiesel into diesel fuel, a move aimed at bolstering the country's energy independence.

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With the launch of this program, Indonesia officially becomes the first country in the world to implement national biodiesel B50.

Speaking at a rest area along the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road, Prabowo emphasized that the B50 implementation is more than a technological achievement; it demonstrates Indonesia's capacity to leverage its natural resources for the benefit of its people. He linked national survival to a country's ability to produce its own food, energy, and water.

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I was surprised myself, world leaders are talking about Indonesia, how Indonesia managed not to panic, not to raise fuel prices for the small people. If it's for rich people, it's not a problem.

In a related statement, Prabowo asserted that affluent citizens should be prepared to pay more for fuel. He noted that the world has praised Indonesia for not panicking and raising fuel prices for the general populace, stressing that subsidized fuel must maintain its price. "If it's for rich people, it's not a problem," he remarked, humorously pointing out several prominent businessmen present, including Boy Thohir and Arsjad Rasjid, suggesting their wealth allows them to absorb higher costs.

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Boy, yes, Boy. You have no problem (paying more), Boy. Who else has no problem? Ha ha. Arsjad, you dare to drive a Lamborghini, yes, you have to pay more, ha ha. Rosan also has no problem, right, Rosan?

Separately, Prabowo announced that an Indonesian scientific expedition in Papua has discovered substantial gold and mineral reserves. The expedition, involving the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), universities, and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), reported its findings just hours before the biodiesel launch. The exact location and estimated quantity of the reserves were not immediately disclosed.

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I just received a report, just a few hours ago, our scientific expedition that has only been running for two or three weeks in the mountains of Papua. The team from BRIN with several universities, assisted by the TNI, found very large reserves of gold and mineral reserves.