Jakarta. Biodiesel policy has helped Indonesia cut its oil imports, according to vice presidential candidate Gibran Rakabuming.

The B35 policy --which increases the palm oil blend in biodiesel to 35 percent-- is in effect in Indonesia. There are also plans to increase the palm oil blend to 40 percent -- a policy better known as B40.

“Thanks to B35 and B40, we were able to slash our oil imports. We could also boost the added value of our palm oil production. [Biodiesel use] also helps us become more environmentally friendly,” Gibran said at Sunday's debate in Jakarta.

According to Gibran, Indonesia must continue to pursue an energy transition towards renewables. “We should not rely on fossil fuel anymore. We shall continue to encourage the use of renewables, particularly those based on vegetable raw materials, such as bioethanol, Bioavtur [aviation fuel], and biodiesel,” Gibran said.

The candidate added that there was a need to find a balance between environmental sustainability and the domestic processing of industries.

“We want to boost farmer’s productivity and the maritime sector, but safeguarding the environmental balance is a must. That is why environmental impact assessment, environmental analysis, and sustainability reports are mandatory,” Gibran said.

He also talked of incentives for businesses to invest in Indonesia’s renewable energy sector. For instance, the Cirata floating solar PV got a tax allowance, among others, according to Gibran.