Government Accelerates B50 Biodiesel Programme to Anticipate Middle East Conflict

The Indonesian government has begun preparing strategic measures to anticipate the impact of the prolonged conflict in the Middle East on national energy security. 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 this anticipatory step was discussed in a limited meeting led directly by President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Thursday (23/7). “Essentially, we discussed and simultaneously made predictions regarding the development of the world situation, including anticipating if the war in the Middle East becomes protracted, thereby affecting world energy supplies and oil prices,” AHY stated. AHY emphasised the importance of strengthening national energy resilience so as not to depend on an uncertain global situation. The development of B50 biodiesel is one of the main pillars in the energy diversification strategy to reduce dependence on crude oil imports. Beyond the energy sector, the government is also wary of the impact of global tensions on the food sector. The government is committed to ensuring that the development focus in the food sector continues according to plan without being disrupted by fluctuations in the international situation. From an infrastructure perspective, AHY stated that his ministry would provide full support through strengthening connectivity. This is to ensure that various national priority programmes, both in the energy and food sectors, can run optimally and effectively on the ground. The meeting also touched on the grassroots economy. The government plans to simplify various regulations so that pro-people policies can be implemented more quickly to assist communities in need amidst global economic challenges. “The government continues to strive to present policies that help our people in need, and to prepare various policies that are more simplified,” AHY concluded.