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Indonesia to boost renewable energy investment to shield economy

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian government is determined to increase investment in new and renewable energy as part of efforts to shield the nation from increasingly complex global dynamics.At a virtual press conference from Jakarta on Tuesday, Investment and Downstreaming Minister Rosan Roeslani stated that the government views renewable energy development as vital for Indonesia to withstand external pressures.”At the same time, we seek to use the recent trend as momentum to accelerate several policies and investments that promote the use of renewable energy sources, such as geothermal, solar, and hydro,” he remarked.Roeslani ensured the government would take a holistic approach to formulate strategies for the short, medium, and long terms to deliver positive impacts on future energy use.Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto underlined that Indonesia maintains strong economic fundamentals supported by a stable fiscal structure and a sound level of energy security.To achieve lasting effects, he said the government has devised a range of policies on energy efficiency and work culture transformation grounded in the use of digital technology.The minister noted that a work-from-home arrangement has been made mandatory for state workers on Fridays, while it remains advisory for the private sector.He emphasized that the policy takes productivity into account while the government also aims to cut fuel consumption by reducing the use of official vehicles and trips.Furthermore, Indonesia is set to implement the B50 biodiesel policy starting July 1 this year to support the energy transition and reduce fuel subsidy spending.The policy requires a blend of 50 percent petroleum diesel and 50 percent palm oil-based biofuel to enhance national energy resilience.