Government Accelerates B50 Biodiesel Programme to Anticipate Middle East Conflict
The Indonesian government has begun preparing strategic measures to anticipate the impact of a prolonged Middle East conflict on national energy resilience. One of the main efforts being pursued is the diversification of energy sources and the acceleration of the B50 biodiesel programme.
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), revealed that these anticipatory measures were discussed at a limited meeting led directly by President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Thursday (23/7).
“In essence, we discussed and made predictions about developments in the global situation, including anticipating a drawn-out war in the Middle East that could affect world energy supplies and oil prices,” AHY said, as quoted by Antara.
AHY emphasised the importance of strengthening national energy resilience so that the country does not depend on an uncertain global situation. The development of B50 biodiesel is one of the main pillars of the energy diversification strategy aimed at reducing dependence on imported crude oil.
Beyond the energy sector, the government is also monitoring the impact of global tensions on the food sector. The government is committed to ensuring that development programmes in the food sector continue as planned without being disrupted by fluctuations in the international situation.
From an infrastructure perspective, AHY said his ministry would provide full support through strengthened connectivity. The aim is to ensure that various national priority programmes, in both the energy and food sectors, can run optimally and effectively on the ground.
The meeting also touched on the people’s economy. The government plans to simplify various regulations so that pro-people policies can be implemented more quickly to help those in need amid global economic challenges.
“The government continues to strive to deliver policies that help our people in need, and to prepare policies that simplify things further,” AHY concluded.