President Prabowo: B50 to Save Rp170 Trillion in Forex, Strong Foundation to Become Prosperous and Independent Nation
President Prabowo Subianto affirmed that the launch of B50 Biodiesel is not only an important milestone for national energy independence, but also provides tangible benefits to the Indonesian economy through foreign exchange savings of up to Rp170 trillion. He delivered this statement while delivering his remarks at the B50 Biodiesel Launch at Rest Area KM 57, Karawang regency, West Java province, on Thursday (7/9).
“So, today, I would like to express my gratitude to all the stakeholders who have worked hard. Imagine, we have now saved Rp170 trillion in foreign currency outflow. We have saved US$10 billion,” said the President.
In addition to foreign exchange savings from the energy sector, he also talked about the enormous potential of the natural resources sector. The Head of State announced that a scientific expedition team, involving the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and several universities, supported by the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) had recently discovered vast reserves of gold and various minerals in the Papuan Mountains.
The President also expressed optimism for Indonesia’s future. He said that these achievements must be in line with commitment from all elements of the nation to safeguard the country by eradicating corruption, smuggling, narcotics, and online gambling which have been detrimental to the state and society.
“We have a very bright future. What we have to do now is to continue pioneering, continuing what our predecessors have started. It is to protect our nation, protect our republic. We must stop corruption. We must stop smuggling. We must stop narcotics. We must stop online gambling,” he stated.
President Prabowo also highlighted an increased welfare of farmers in various regions as an indicator of the national development success. Based on reports he received, farmers’ purchasing power has increased, reflected in the increase in vehicle purchases and number of farmers performing Umrah.
“This is our development goal. Our people must prosper, and we must not have low self-esteem. We must not accept that our people is poor. We are a wealthy country, and our people must also enjoy that wealth,” said the President.
Addressing scientists, academics, and officials from Pertamina, the President encouraged continued innovation in biodiesel development. He expressed his hope that the implementation of B50 would not be the end, but rather a stepping stone towards developing biodiesel with a higher plant-based energy content.
“Thank you, scientists of universities. Keep on doing your study. Thank you, Pertamina and all staff. Keep going, don’t stop at B50. If possible, B60,” he said.
As a token of appreciation for the contribution of those involved in the successful development of B50 Biodiesel, the President instructed to list the names of those who contributed to be given honorary awards.
President Prabowo also expressed his appreciation for the long journey of biodiesel development in Indonesia which began with B2.5 in 2008 and has now reached B50 through eight development phases. The launch, he said, serves as a historic moment full of meaning.
“I received a report saying that the transition from B2.5 in 2008 to B50 in 2026 has gone through 8 phases. The B50 phase is the eighth phase launched by the 8th President,” he said.
The launch of B50 Biodiesel symbolizes Indonesia’s success in building energy independence gradually and sustainably, while also reaffirming optimism that Indonesia’s wealth of natural resources, supported by innovation and good governance, will be a significant asset towards an increasingly advanced, independent, and prosperous Indonesia. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (JAS/AW)
