The Indonesian government capitalized on the momentum of the Indonesia–Russia Business Forum at the INNOPROM 2026 exhibition in Yekaterinburg to strengthen industrial diplomacy through the bioenergy sector. The main focus of the meeting was to promote palm oil innovation as a sustainable clean energy transition solution for the Eurasian region.
Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, emphasized that Indonesia is now positioning itself as a key player in bioenergy development. According to him, the downstreaming of the palm oil industry is not only aimed at driving the domestic economy, but also serves as a strategic instrument to achieve a more environmentally friendly global energy security.
One of the main highlights of the forum, which was attended by more than 100 industry leaders, was the implementation of the B50 biodiesel mandatory program. This policy, which requires a 50 percent blend of palm oil-based biofuel, is projected to reduce the country's dependence on imported fossil fuels and significantly cut carbon emissions.
Director General of KPAII at the Ministry of Industry, Tri Supondy, added that the transformation of Indonesia's palm oil industry has moved beyond the raw export commodity paradigm. Currently, Indonesia is focusing on strengthening value-added products through research, ISPO certification, and human resource capacity building, fully supported by the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS).
In addition to promoting biodiesel technology, the government is also seeking to accelerate a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). This step is expected to serve as a gateway for increased investment, technology transfer, and expanded market access for Indonesian manufactured products in the Russian market and neighboring countries in the region.
