Ministry Of PUPR Introduces Rubber Asphalt At Dubai Expo, Minister Basuki: It Has Been Applied In Areas Such As Ciawi-Sukabumi, Karawang-Cikampek

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing or PUPR introduced rubber asphalt innovation at Dubai Expo 2020.

"The use of rubber asphalt has been applied to improve the quality of roads in several areas in Indonesia," said PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono in a written statement, quoted from Antara, Friday, November 19.

Some of the roads that use rubber asphalt include Jalan Ciawi-Sukabumi, Jalan Karawang-Cikampek, Jalan Ajibarang-Banyumas-Klampok-Banjarnegara, and the boundary of Jalan Muara Beliti-Musi-Rawas-Tebing Tinggi-Lahat Regency.

Indonesia is the second largest rubber producing country in the world after Thailand. About 85 percent of domestic rubber production is actually still exported in the form of raw rubber, while the rest is for domestic consumption.

Currently, the low demand for raw rubber exports has led to an oversupply in the country and has resulted in a decline in national rubber prices.

To overcome this, the Ministry of PUPR seeks to take advantage of the potential of rubber in the infrastructure sector, one of which is by processing rubber as an additional material for asphalt production (rubber asphalt) in order to increase domestic rubber consumption.

This invention has been applied in various regions in Indonesia and has proven to be very useful. Rubber can extend the period of road quality as well as increase the level of asphalt resistance.

Rubber asphalt also has a better density level, does not easily leave wheel tracks when the asphalt is wet, and also has a higher durability than ordinary asphalt.

This week, the Indonesian Pavilion introduced the invention of rubber asphalt that could transform the transportation and mobility industry. Through Expo 2020 Dubai, the Ministry of PUPR will target potential investors who take into account the potential of this rubber in the international market through business forums.

In addition, the Indonesian Pavilion also broadcasts digital content related to the PUPR Ministry's support for 5 Super Priority Tourism Destinations (DPSP), the development of eastern Indonesia, increasing accessibility between regions, and developing special areas.

Five Super Priority Tourist Destinations (DPSP) are part of the "10 New Bali" program launched by the government. The destinations included in the five DPSPs are Lake Toba, Borobudur Temple, Lombok-Mandalika, Labuan Bajo, and Likupang.

These five destinations can become a tourist attraction as well as foster a creative economic ecosystem that also involves local residents.