President says B50 biofuel and dams boost national self-reliance

President Prabowo Subianto said the construction of five dams and Indonesia's implementation of B50 biofuel demonstrate the government's commitment to managing the nation's resources to achieve a more prosperous Indonesia.

In his remarks at the inauguration of the Meninting Dam in West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, on Friday, President Prabowo linked the infrastructure projects to the government's efforts in strengthening national energy self-sufficiency.

A day earlier, the Head of State launched the B50 biodiesel implementation, making Indonesia the first country in the world that capable of producing diesel fuel blended with 50-percent palm oil-based biodiesel.

"The five dams we inaugurated today represent a state investment of around Rp9.79 trillion. Yesterday was a very historic day as I launched Indonesia as the first country in the world capable of producing diesel fuel from plant-based sources, namely palm oil," Prabowo said.

According to the President, the implementation of B50 biofuel marks the beginning of Indonesia's efforts to phase out diesel fuel imports.

The policy is projected to save the state budget up to Rp170 trillion (around US$10.4 billion) annually.

Furthermore, Prabowo stated that the successful development of critical infrastructure and the strengthening of national energy self-sufficiency reflect policies designed to serve the interests of the people.

He affirmed that the government would continue to prioritize efficient budget management and strengthen clean governance so that more state resources could be directed toward development.

"What we are striving for is to achieve prosperity for the Indonesian people by reducing, and if possible eliminating, corruption, exercising and improving efficiency. That is our struggle to achieve a prosperous Indonesia," President Prabowo said.