REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President Joko Widodo here, Tuesday, sought immediate implementation of the mandatory use of biodiesel. He believed it has the potential to save millions of dollars in foreign exchange for the state.

"I have called for the immediate implementation of the mandatory use of biodiesel," Joko Widodo (Jokowi) remarked during a closed-door meeting at the Bogor Presidential Palace.

The meeting has discussed a strategy on the policy to strengthen the country's foreign exchange in a bid to improve economic resilience amid the current global economic uncertainty.

The president has emphasized two key issues -- control on imports and development of exports -- that will need immediate implementation of the mandatory use of biodiesel.

Also read: Biofuel producer backs acceleration of mandatory biodiesel

"I will update the information on this since according to data, it (mandatory biodiesel) could save Indonesia some US$21 million per day in imports," the head of state remarked.

Jokowi has also called to conduct a detailed evaluation on imports, including details of non-strategic goods imports that could be reduced or stopped.

"Another important issue is increasing the domestic content. Issues have been discussed since the past 1.5 to two years but yet to be fully implemented," he remarked.

The president has encouraged the growth of import substitution in the goods industry, especially the upstream industry that will produce raw materials.

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