The DPR Supports The Implementation Of B40 Because It Is Considered Contributing To Budget Efficiency And Reducing Imports

JAKARTA - Member of Commission XII DPR RI Alfons Manibui expressed full support for government policies in implementing the 40 percent biodiesel (B40) program, because it contributes to budget efficiency, import reduction, and environmentally friendly.

"Since the biodiesel program was implemented in 2020, we have recorded savings of IDR 38 trillion. This value continues to increase every year, and with the implementation of B40 in 2025, foreign exchange savings is projected to be much larger," said Alfons in Jakarta, quoted by Antara, Thursday, February 20.

According to Alfons, the government has set a target allocation of B40 of 15.6 million kiloliters (kl) by 2025, consisting of 7.55 million kl for the Public Service Obligation (PSO) sector and 8.07 million kl for the non-PSO sector.

With this implementation, Alfons hopes that the B40 program will be able to save the country's foreign exchange of up to IDR 147.5 trillion by 2025.

This savings did not escape the significant reduction in diesel imports due to the implementation of biodiesel.

"In 2014, we are still importing 11.475 million kl, while by 2023 this figure has decreased to 5.145 million kl. With the implementation of B40, diesel imports are projected to decrease significantly," said Alfons.

In addition to the economic aspect, Alfons also highlighted that the biodiesel program is in line with Indonesia's commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Utilization of B40 can help reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.

"Biodiesel is cleaner energy than conventional diesel. With higher vegetable content, the resulting carbon emissions are also lower. This is a concrete step for Indonesia in supporting an environmentally friendly energy transition," he said.

He added that self-sufficiency in energy is one of President Prabowo Subianto's top priorities, which in its implementation is carried out by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) under the leadership of Bahlil Lahadalia, who also serves as Chair of the National Energy Acceleration and Resilience Task Force.

With the sustainability of the biodiesel program, Alfons is optimistic that Indonesia will approach the ideals of self-sufficiency, which is not only budget efficient, but also environmentally friendly and has a positive impact on the national economy.