Yesterday's economy: PSEL project to B50 road testing for automotive

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Several news stories aired yesterday remain compelling reading today, Wednesday, ranging from the waste-to-energy (PSEL) project to the B50 road testing issue for the automotive sector.

Here is a summary of the news:

Coordinating Minister Zulhas emphasises PSEL project must be completed in seven weeks

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) emphasised that the waste-to-energy (PSEL) project must be completed within seven weeks to accelerate the handling of the increasingly urgent national waste problem.

“Because this is a direct order from Mr President (Prabowo Subianto). If it’s not completed in seven weeks, we (the central government) will have no choice but to take over. That’s the order,” Zulhas said in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Agriculture Minister ensures availability of irrigation and fertiliser to face El Niño

Agriculture Minister and Head of the National Food Agency Andi Amran Sulaiman assured that irrigation and fertiliser availability will remain stable to support farmers in maintaining production amid the drought threat from the El Niño phenomenon.

“The Ministry of Agriculture ensures readiness to face the potential long dry season in 2026 with measured mitigation steps based on field conditions,” the Agriculture Minister stated in a press release in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Government assures Hajj pilgrims’ food is safe despite geopolitical turmoil

The government has assured that food supplies for Indonesian prospective Hajj pilgrims remain secure amid global geopolitical dynamics.

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) conveyed that food conditions for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims are fully guaranteed, so pilgrims need not worry about food availability during their stay in the Holy Land.

“Regarding the Hajj pilgrims’ meals, the Hajj Minister said earlier that it’s safe, even though there is geopolitics like that over there, but don’t worry about the food,” Zulhas said after the coordination meeting on Hajj 2026 Food Fulfilment Preparations at the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Government commits to protecting domestic workers in the Domestic Workers Protection Bill

Manpower Minister Yassierli stated that the government is committed to protecting domestic workers through the Domestic Workers Protection Bill (RUU PPRT).

“The government is committed to positioning domestic workers as workers with basic rights just like any other workers. This protection covers all stages, from before working, during work, to after the employment relationship ends, including dispute resolution mechanisms,” the Manpower Minister said in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources announces B50 road testing for automotive completed in May 2026

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) announced that the road testing for 50 per cent biodiesel or B50 for the automotive sector will be completed in May, followed by engine checks.

“So, we will finish (the road testing) next May. May for all automotive, yes,” said Director General of New, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) of the Ministry of ESDM Eniya Listiani Dewi when met at the B50 Road Testing Fuel Blending and Filling Station in Lembang, West Java, on Tuesday.