DPR Calls B50 Launch a Strategic Step Towards Energy Independence

Jakarta - Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Sari Yuliati stated that the launch of 50 percent biodiesel (B50) is a strategic step to strengthen national energy independence. In a statement released in Jakarta on Friday, Sari said the policy marks an important milestone in reinforcing energy security while driving economic transformation based on domestic resources. “We express our highest appreciation to President Prabowo Subianto and his entire administration. This demonstrates a national development direction that is increasingly oriented towards independence, sustainability, and the national interest,” she said. According to Sari, the utilisation of biodiesel showcases Indonesia’s ability to optimise the potential of palm oil as a premier resource to meet national energy needs while strengthening the country’s position amidst geopolitical dynamics and global energy market uncertainty. The Coordinator for Economic and Financial Affairs at the DPR RI stated that the policy also has the potential to save state foreign exchange through a reduction in diesel imports, thereby strengthening the trade balance and national economic stability. “In a global situation full of uncertainty, energy security is one of the main foundations of state sovereignty. Therefore, the development of biodiesel must be viewed as a long-term strategic investment for Indonesia’s future,” she remarked. Sari urged that the implementation of B50 be carried out in a gradual and measured manner, supported by distribution infrastructure readiness, product quality improvement, strengthened research and technological innovation, as well as synergy between the government, state-owned enterprises, industry players, academics, and the public. She affirmed that the DPR is ready to provide support through its legislative, budgeting, and oversight functions so that various strategic government programmes in the energy sector can run optimally and deliver tangible benefits to the people. “Energy independence is part of the grand aspiration towards a sovereign, advanced, and competitive Indonesia. The implementation of Biodiesel B50 is a concrete step to realise that vision,” she said. Previously, President Prabowo Subianto launched the B50 Mandatory Programme in Karawang Regency, West Java, on Thursday (9/7), as an effort to strengthen energy independence and reduce dependence on imported fuel oil.