InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA — Member of Commission XII of the DPR RI, Jalal Abdul Nasir, welcomed the plan to implement B40 biodiesel starting January 2025. However, the politician, commonly known as Haji Jalal, highlighted various challenges, such as infrastructure readiness, vehicle technology, and potential social and environmental impacts of the policy.
"This step is positive for reducing carbon emissions, but the government must ensure distribution and vehicle technology readiness for smooth implementation," Jalal stated in a written statement quoted by InfoSAWIT on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
Jalal, a politician from the PKS faction, reminded that many vehicles in Indonesia are not designed to use fuels with high vegetable content like B40. Therefore, he urged the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) to prioritize comprehensive testing before this policy is widely implemented. "Incompatible vehicles may suffer engine damage; this must be prevented early on," he added.
In terms of environmental aspects, Jalal pointed out the potential expansion of palm oil plantations that could damage forests. "In 2021, Greenpeace reported that 3 million hectares of forest have been lost due to palm oil plantations. This policy could worsen the situation if not closely monitored," Jalal emphasized. He also stressed the importance of implementing sustainability certification for palm oil producers to ensure that plantation expansion does not harm the environment.
From an economic perspective, Jalal called on the government to guarantee fair prices for palm oil for small farmers. "Many palm oil farmers have yet to enjoy decent prices. The government must create a distribution mechanism that ensures profits are also felt by small farmers," he said. As a solution, Jalal proposed the development of digital distribution infrastructure using IoT (Internet of Things) technology. According to him, this technology can monitor biodiesel distribution in real-time, prevent misappropriation, and expedite delivery to remote areas.
The B40 policy, outlined in the ESDM Ministerial Decree No. 341 of 2024, is expected to increase the biodiesel quota to 15.6 million kiloliters in 2025. This program aims to reduce carbon emissions and decrease diesel imports, but its success requires strict oversight and collaboration from various parties.
With various potential benefits and challenges, Jalal Abdul Nasir hopes the government can ensure the B40 policy becomes a sustainable solution that not only supports the environment but also improves the welfare of small farmers. (T2)