Ganjar Pranowo Asks Regional Heads In Central Java To Use Aspal Buton

Using natural asphalt producer Buton on the front road of the Pamotan village hall, Rembang (Photo via Central Java Provincial Government)

JAKARTA - The Central Java Provincial Government has officially issued an appeal to all regents or mayors in Central Java to use Buton asphalt to increase the use of domestic products.

The policy, which was signed by the Secretary of Central Java, Sumarno, stated that the policy was to support the implementation of policies and implementation of the Increase in the Use of Domestic Products (P3DN), especially in the implementation of Financial Assistance activities to Regencies/Cities sourced from the Central Java Provincial Budget.

Then, support the implementation of the road preservation program to improve the quality and reach of road services, in order to prioritize the national asphalt based on Aspal Buton (natural asphalt from Buton Island) in accordance with the provisions of the legislation.

Head of the Central Java Bangda Administration Bureau, Endi Faiz Effendi said Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo ordered the ranks of the Central Java Provincial Government to carry out Jokowi's directives related to the use of domestic products.

"So we are committed to the president's directive at the meeting in Bali on March 25, 2022 regarding TKDN, which is targeted at 40 percent. Instead, Pak Ganjar wants more than 50 percent, meaning the focus of domestic products. We are committed," said Endi to reporters, Thursday, September 29.

Endi said Buton's asphalt had entered the e-catalog provided by the Government Goods/Services Procurement Policy Institute (LKPP). So, he said, it was easier to provide.

"What is clear is that Buton's asphalt quality seems to be on par with central technicalities. This means that it is the same as asphalt from Pertamina or imports. The quality has been felt good until now," he said.

On the other hand, Endi said that the use of Buton asphalt has been initiated by Bina Marga and Bina Karya Central Java since 2021. This is in line with PUPR regulation number 18 of 2018 regarding the use of Buton asphalt for roads.