DIGIVESTASI - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) announced an increase in the biodiesel production target in line with efforts to reduce the amount of fuel oil (BBM) imports and increase the use of palm-based biofuel or biodiesel. 800,000 kiloliters (KL) could be obtained by April 15.

This was revealed by Eniya Ristiani Dewi, Director General of New Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (Dilgen EBTKE) at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. She said the biodiesel production target in 2024, which was originally set at 13.4 million KL, could be increased to 15.8 million KL in line with the reduction in fuel import subsidies. 

"The target (for biodiesel production) this year is 13.4 million KL, but it can increase to 15.8 million KL. So I think there will also be an increase with the reduction of fuel import subsidies, which of course can be achieved." 

Ennya said this is also encouraged by the government, which is currently promoting the use of biodiesel, especially B40, which is a mixture of 40% fuel and biodiesel. Currently, its introduction is being considered not only in the automotive sector, but also in areas such as ships, heavy equipment, and agricultural machinery. "The B40 test for the automotive industry has been conducted since 2023 and there were no real obstacles.

Therefore, we plan to continue testing large equipment such as ships, agricultural equipment, large excavators, and ships in 2024." test. "We started last month and plan to test it in December this year. The testing is time-consuming, but so far we haven't gotten any complaints," Mr. Eniya said. 

In this way, Mr. Shioya said, by expanding the sectors using B40, it will be possible to increase the amount of CPO (crude palm oil) used and reduce carbon emissions from fuel. It is also claimed to reduce fuel imports into the country. "So we obviously expect an increase in the use of CPO, and at the same time we expect efforts to significantly reduce emissions and of course also reduce fuel imports," he added. 

He further said that the increased use of CPO would increase demand for palm oil products, thus making palm oil farmers richer and making them more competitive in terms of prices. 

"But this also means that biodiesel subsidies will increase to compensate the CPO industry. This is very worrying for farmers right now, so I guess BPDPKS is also paying attention. '' he said, adding, ``We can also support farmers.''

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