Jokowi Spills Plans of Pertamina Expansion to Brazil, Bulog's Rice Acquisition in Cambodia

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi on Monday explained the opportunities that could be pursued by two state-owned companies, Pertamina and Perum Bulog. The head of state stated the government is currently calculating the business opportunities of Pertamina's expansion to Brazil and Perum Bulog’s acquisition of Cambodia’s rice producers. 

"I believe Pertamina needs the expansion for company profit and to see where the future of the economy and business is," said Jokowi when met after the HIPMI anniversary in Central Jakarta, on Monday, June 10, 2024. “The business process has been calculated along with the possible benefits for the nation.” 

Jokowi said Bulog’s acquisition of rice sources in Cambodia is expected to ensure stock availability. "Instead of buying, investing is better," said Jokowi.

This Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs, Luhut Pandjaitan also brought up the plan during his speech on the same occasion. Luhut proclaimed that Jokowi had ordered him to follow up on rice source acquisition in Cambodia. He did not provide details but confirmed that Indonesia is taking the technical steps towards the acquisition. 

"Meanwhile, Bulog will acquire several rice sources in Cambodia. The President has ordered us to handle it and we did, we’re doing the due diligence,” Luhut said.

In the same speech, Luhut said Jokowi had asked Pertamina to acquire a Brazilian company that produces sugar and ethanol as raw materials for bioethanol. According to him, the Indonesian government plans to use bioethanol as a substitute for gasoline for motor vehicle fuel.

“We will replace gasoline gradually with bioethanol to reduce our sulfur below 500, to maybe 50 or 60," said Luhut, claiming it would take 2 or 3 years to achieve.

DANIEL A. FAJRI | ANTARA

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