InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – The Chairman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), Eddy Martono, stated that the use of palm oil in Indonesia will always prioritize domestic needs, especially for the biodiesel program.

Eddy explained that Indonesia has currently implemented a B40 biodiesel mandate, with consumption estimated to reach almost 14 million tons per year. "If the domestic biodiesel supply is insufficient, then exports will not be permitted. The principle is that national interests must come first," he emphasized during an online discussion attended by InfoSAWIT on Monday (9/22/2025).

However, Eddy admitted that there is still a debate about the most profitable strategy: whether to increase the biodiesel mandate or to boost exports of CPO and its derivatives. According to him, the government continues to conduct in-depth studies to weigh the economic benefits.

"It is indeed necessary to see which is more profitable, whether to increase the portion of domestic biodiesel or to expand the export market. We can also learn from the experiences of other countries. But for GAPKI, it is clear that the top priority is to meet domestic needs first, and only then can we talk about exports," Eddy said. (T2)