CPO RI Dijegal Eropa, Bahlil Diminta Prabowo Untuk Geber B50

JAKARTA - Elected President Prabowo Subianto ordered Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia to review the 50 percent increase in biodiesel or B50.

Bahlil Lahadalia said this was due to a boycott by the European Union of products made from palm oil or crude palm oil (CPO) from Indonesia.

"President (elected) Prabowo ordered to immediately review B50. B35 is already underway, B40 is heading for the last test, and we are currently reviewing for B50," said Bahlil, quoted on Thursday, October 10.

Bahlil added that the increase in mandatory B50 is expected to absorb the CPO that should have been exported but was tackled by the European Union.

"Instead of being banned in Europe, we have a CPO, if he forbids us, we just build it and continue to be here for us to convert to B50. It also goes to half a green energy," continued Bahlil.

In addition to increasing the new and renewable energy mix, Bahlil said this step could also suppress Indonesia's oil imports, which are currently at 1 million barrels per day (BOPD).

Bahlil detailed that currently 49 percent of fuel consumption in Indonesia is used for the transportation sector, while 34 percent is for the industrial sector. Meanwhile, 8 percent or 38.5 million barrels are used for the electricity sector, and 6 percent or 28.5 million barrels for the aviation sector.

"What are the steps to reduce our needs (BBM), President Prabowo's order to immediately review now for B50," said Bahlil.