Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia's Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo has urged faster utilization of Buton asphalt (Asbuton) to support national asphalt self-sufficiency.He said national asphalt demand currently stands at around 1 million tons per year and is projected to rise to 1.5 million tons.”However, nearly 80 percent still depends on imported petroleum-based asphalt,” Dody said during a media discussion in Jakarta on Thursday.He said global geopolitical tensions, including in the Middle East, have driven energy price volatility and affected the infrastructure sector.”This has pushed oil prices higher and directly impacts strategic materials such as asphalt,” he said.Dody noted that dependence on imported materials poses risks to national development.Indonesia has large Asbuton reserves on Buton Island in Southeast Sulawesi, but utilization remains limited at around 4 percent of national demand.The ministry is targeting an increase in Asbuton use in national road construction to at least 30 percent.”This is an opportunity for us to become more self-reliant,” Dody said.He added that the policy could save up to Rp4 trillion (around US$235.3 million) in foreign exchange and increase tax revenue by around Rp2 trillion.Developing the Asbuton industry could also generate economic value of up to Rp23 trillion.The government expects the move to strengthen domestic industry and ensure the resilience of construction material supply.