InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – The Indonesian government is accelerating downstream development of palm oil-based biodiesel as a key pillar of national energy independence, following directives from President Prabowo Subianto amid global geopolitical pressures.

Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized that biodiesel is the most strategic and immediate solution to reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports.

“During our recent meeting before the President’s visit to Japan and South Korea, he instructed us to accelerate downstream development. For agriculture, biofuel is a priority amid rising geopolitical tensions,” he said.

As reported by InfoSAWIT, from official sources on Monday (30/3/2026), the B50 biodiesel mandate is a top priority, expected to replace large volumes of diesel imports.

“The President’s commitment is clear—diesel imports will be replaced by B50 biofuel, amounting to 5.3 million tons,” he added.

Beyond energy, the policy is expected to boost palm oil demand, stabilize FFB prices at the farmer level, and strengthen domestic markets.

While bioethanol development through the E20 program is also being pursued, biodiesel remains the primary focus due to its more mature ecosystem.

The government is also strengthening collaboration with state-owned enterprises to accelerate implementation.

With these efforts, Indonesia aims not only to reduce energy imports but also to reinforce palm oil’s strategic role in the national economy and energy transition. (T2)