Bioethanol push could create 8 million jobs, minister says

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's bioethanol development program has the potential to generate approximately eight million permanent jobs across the agricultural and energy sectors, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said Monday.

"We are moving toward energy independence. If this happens, a minimum of eight million permanent jobs will be created,” Sulaiman said. “Indonesia is very large, and we are optimistic this can be achieved."

The minister explained that job creation would span the entire bioethanol value chain, from feedstock cultivation and agricultural land management to industrial processing.

To support the industry, the Agriculture Ministry is preparing 1 million to 2 million hectares of land for three primary energy crops: sugarcane, cassava, and corn.

Sulaiman noted that 44 regents have committed to supporting the initiative by mapping regional land potential and accelerating site preparation.

He added that the government will prioritize suitable, available land while adhering to environmental safeguards.

To build the required processing infrastructure, the government plans to deploy joint investment schemes pairing state-owned enterprises with private capital.

Land security, Sulaiman emphasized, will serve as the primary incentive to attract private investors.

The minister expressed confidence that expanding bioethanol production will advance national energy sovereignty, building on the momentum of the country's B50 biodiesel program.

"Previously, B50 biodiesel became a reality. God willing, in the future, we will achieve E50," Sulaiman said.

Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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