Academic says B50 programme could solve diesel shortages, presents major opportunity for Central Kalimantan

Palangka Raya (ANTARA) - Public policy observer and academic from the University of Palangka Raya (UPR), Bhayu Rhama, stated that the B50 programme can strengthen energy resilience and address diesel shortages, including in Central Kalimantan (Kalteng) as a palm oil-producing region. “The B50 programme, aside from strengthening national energy independence, also has the potential to reduce pressure on diesel supplies and help overcome shortages that still occur in several regions,” Bhayu said in Palangka Raya on Thursday. Bhayu assessed that Central Kalimantan holds a very important position in supporting the success of the programme, as it is one of the largest palm oil-producing regions in Indonesia. “Central Kalimantan has a strategic role because it is one of the national palm oil production centres. This region contributes significantly to the provision of the biodiesel raw materials needed to support the national implementation of B50,” he added. According to him, the success of the B50 programme also provides a positive economic impact for palm oil-producing regions, including Central Kalimantan. Besides increasing the added value of palm oil commodities, the programme has the potential to open up investment opportunities, strengthen downstream industries, and create new jobs. “If managed sustainably, B50 is not only an energy solution but can also become a driving force for regional and national economic growth,” he said. The launch of the B50 biodiesel mandate marks an important milestone in Indonesia’s journey towards energy self-sufficiency. The government hopes this programme will strengthen national energy security while increasing the utilisation of domestic resources for public welfare. Bhayu therefore appreciated President Prabowo’s move in launching the B50 Biodiesel programme, which he assessed as an important strategy to strengthen national energy resilience. President Prabowo Subianto emphasised that B50 Biodiesel is the result of a policy relay stretching from the era of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) to Joko Widodo (Jokowi). Prabowo made this statement during the launch of the B50 Biodiesel Mandate at Rest Area Km 57, Karawang Regency, West Java. According to Prabowo, the biodiesel development programme is a clear example of national policy continuity that requires a long time and consistency to achieve results.