InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA - Saleh Husin, Minister of Industry of Indonesia in 2014 -2016, stood before the guest, to launch a book that contained of not only ideas, but also the big wills for the future of Indonesia. His book - "Hilirisasi Sawit Cegah Middle Income Trap", proved that he was so serious to know the big potential of palm oil industries as the key heading to the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045.
That Wednesday, in the event that many figures attended, such as, the 10th and 12th Vice President of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla; Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita; and Minister of Transportation, Budi Karya Sumadi, Saleh described his perspectives with spirit. “There is only one product in Indonesia that has mastered the world – scale trade. It is palm oil,” he said. His words reverbed in the room that reflected his confidence that palm oil would be the mainstay product in this country.
What he said about numbers was impressive. Palm oil product exports that reached 30 billion US dollar, made Indonesia as the palm oil master in the globe. Unfortunately, he thought, the big potential should not stop there namely in raw material. Downstream sector – from the raw material, would be the key.
By realizing downstream sectors, there would be the positive impacts. For example, he continued, the implementation of biodiesel program – B35. Saleh thought, it could save the revenue up to Rp 161 trillion. More than that, palm oil downstream sectors could potentially create 20 million works, deliver social impacts for the people of Indonesia.
Not only from the economy, he knew that palm oil downstream sectors would play decarbonization to realize zero carbon emission. He said, by optimizing palm oil products, Indonesia could reduce carbon emission up to 35 million tons CO2. This could be the big step heading to the commitment of Indonesia in net zero emission.
Unfortunately, behind the achievements, there would be challenges to face. Even though Indonesia mastered palm oil trade in the globe, the irony is that the price is determined by the outsiders. “Unfortunately, we, as the master of this commodity, are controlled by the outsiders in its price,” Saleh said, as InfoSAWIT quoted from Antara, Friday (11/10/2024).
To solve it, he emphasized it would be significant to get collaboration. Ministries, institutions, and every stakeholder should be synergy to confirm the additional values from palm oil downstream products to be more optimal. It means, Indonesia would master not only in the production volume but also control the trade.
The book launching should not be a ceremony only but also should be the invitation for every party to optimize the potential of palm oil together. Saleh Husin through his book, he moved the awareness that behind the wide palm oil plantations, the hidden one would be the key heading to the future prosperity in Indonesia. (T2)