President Joko Widodo stated that it is time for Indonesia to reduce CPO exports, but Indonesia needs to process it first into semi-finished or finished goods. Various programs have been initiated to increase the productivity of smallholder gardens and to prepare skilled plantation human resources. In addition, various programs are also carried out to support research and development of oil palm agricultural technology that is effective, efficient and sustainable.
President Joko Widodo and the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, have given direction that Indonesia needs to find the latest technological innovations that can process palm oil into renewable energy products and healthy food. According to President Joko Widodo’s instructions, it is time for Indonesia not only to think on a laboratory scale, but for something bigger, namely the Indonesian people.
Palm oil has the potential to be a source of renewable energy and a raw material for many other good things. Research after research continues to be carried out, one of which is the research conducted by the ITB Red and White Catalyst Team. The ITB Red and White Catalyst Team conducted research and succeeded in creating a Red and White catalyst that can convert palm oil into diesel, gasoline and avtur. Based on their research and technology, the ITB Red and White Catalyst Team succeeded in uncovering many innovations originating from palm oil. The ITB Red and White Catalyst Team received direct appreciation from President Joko Widodo. The results of this innovation were also displayed at the Hannover Messe 2021. This innovation is expected to make Indonesia better.