South Tangerang –

Professor Subagjo from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) met President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the National Research and Technology Coordination Meeting. Subagjo and his team contributed to developing a catalyst for the conversion of oil palm to biofuels.

Jokowi praised the contribution of Subagjo and the team regarding the research. Jokowi also flicked the presence of those who imported oil for fuel.

“For two years there has been no progress. In fact there is an Inpres. Because of what? Many are still happy to import oil. I don’t think I know. So I really appreciate what Prof. Subagjo and the team have done. So how was this to begin?” said Jokowi at the Center for Science and Technology (Puspitek), Serpong, South Tangerang, Banten, Thursday (1/30/2020).

Subagjo who is an expert in catalysts explained the initial use of catalysts to optimize the abundance of oil palm in Indonesia. His office has collaborated with PT Pertamina (Persero).

“At that time Pertamina wanted to cooperate with South Korea for this process. I said that if it involved catalysts, I said ITB alone was enough. Since 2000 I have developed a catalyst with Pertamina,” Subagjo said.

Jokowi asked Subagjo, how much assistance was given by Pertamina. Subagjo answered that he had received Rp. 46 billion in assistance, but Jokowi was considered to be still small.

“Recently we got Rp 46 billion,” said Subagjo.

“That is also small. Our palm funds are approaching Rp. 35 trillion. What are you saving it for? I have ordered more assistance to ITB for catalysts,” Jokowi said.

“Previously we got help with only Rp. 1 million. So we felt that Rp. 46 billion was huge,” Subagjo answered.

Adapted from detik.com