Gibran Said Indonesia Successfully Lower Oil Imports With Renewable Energy

Jakarta – Vice Presidential Candidate Number 2, Gibran Rakabuming Raka stated that Indonesia has successfully reduced the import value of oil through renewable energy sources such as B35 and B40.

"At present, with the presence of B35 and B40, Indonesia is able to decrease the import value of oil. Additionally, this enhances the value-added production of palm oil domestically and is more environmentally friendly," Gibran said during the second Vice Presidential debate in Jakarta on Sunday.

According to him, Indonesia should no longer be dependent on fossil energy.

"We continue to promote green energy based on plant-based raw materials, such as bioethanol, bioaviation fuel, and biodiesel," he added.

Gibran also emphasized the challenges that need to be anticipated, namely finding a balance or middle ground.

This is because, in order to boost downstream industrialization, Indonesia must also maintain environmental sustainability.

"We want to increase the productivity of farmers in the maritime sector, but we also have to maintain the balance of nature," he said.

Therefore, Environmental Impact Assessment (Amdal) must be mandatory, and a sustainability report is also necessary.

This is to prevent land conversion that could harm local entrepreneurs or the local community, Gibran explained.

Meanwhile, when talking about incentives for renewable energy in Indonesia, Gibran gave an example of a Solar Power Plant (PLTS) located in Cirata.

For this PLTS, a number of incentives have been implemented, ranging from tax allowances to the exemption of capital costs. Consequently, this will encourage companies to invest in the field of green energy transition, he concluded.