Government Promotes Biofuels in Anticipation of Rising Global Oil Prices

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is stepping up efforts to enhance energy and food security by optimizing domestic resources. The policy direction was conveyed during a working meeting with Commission IV of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta , Tuesday April 7, 2026.

Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, said the government has prepared strategic measures to reduce dependence on energy imports. The focus is on maximizing the use of biofuels derived from local commodities.

He emphasized that biofuel development will rely on widely available resources such as palm oil, sugarcane, cassava, and corn. The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen national energy resilience.

“President Prabowo has instructed the optimization of biofuel utilization,” the minister said. “Derived from palm oil, sugarcane, cassava, and corn,” he added.

The Ministry of Agriculture has also finalized preparations for the implementation of the B50 program this year. “Furthermore, the Ministry of Agriculture has prepared the implementation plan for B50 this year,” he said.

The government expects the policy to significantly reduce reliance on imported diesel. “God willing, this year Indonesia will not import 5.3 million tons of diesel,” he stated.

Looking ahead, the government plans to expand downstream bioenergy development. “Going forward, we will implement ethanol plants with raw materials sourced from cassava, sugarcane, and corn,” he said, adding cassava as a key feedstock.

Meanwhile, the marine and fisheries sector has also recorded positive growth in supporting national food security. Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, said production continues to increase, highlighting the sector’s strategic role in the national economy