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Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni visits the production of palm sugar at the Masarang Foundation, Tomohon, North Sulawesi, on Friday (December 13, 2024). (ANTARA/HO-Forestry Ministry/rst)

VOI News, Jakarta:  The Forestry Ministry is preparing forest areas for bioethanol development in support of President Prabowo Subianto's goal to improve people's welfare and promote food and energy self-sufficiency.

"The president has promised to allocate two million hectares for bioethanol production as part of his efforts to achieve energy security. It is now our responsibility to prepare these forest areas, particularly for bioethanol derived from sugar palm trees (Arenga pinnata)," Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni said in a statement from his office on Saturday.

As reported by Antara News Agency on Saturday (14/12/2024), speaking on Friday (13/12/2024) while reviewing the tapping of aren indigo and palm sugar production at the Masarang Foundation in Tomohon, North Sulawesi, Antoni highlighted that this initiative supports President Prabowo’s goals of enhancing welfare and achieving food and energy self-sufficiency.

"One of the president’s top priorities is to bring prosperity to the people. The Forestry Ministry is currently identifying key commodities to help achieve this objective," he noted.

The president has set a target of two million hectares of sugar palm forest for energy self-sufficiency. Antoni assured that his ministry is fully committed to preparing these areas to meet that target.

This initiative is significant because sugar palm offers immense potential for the energy sector. The sap from sugar palm trees can be fermented into bioethanol, a renewable energy source.

Antoni also mentioned that the ministry is exploring the potential of sugar palm trees to serve as a food reserve forest through collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

"We aim to foster cooperation that will improve the welfare of farmers. I’ve also been in discussions with Dr. Willie Smits about transforming these sugar palm trees into larger plantations, which would contribute to food security through food reserve forests," the minister said.

Dr. Smits, a conservationist and microbiologist, is working alongside the ministry on this initiative.

Smits, who accompanied Antoni, expressed his satisfaction with the minister’s visit to meet the farmers directly.

"I hope this can inspire the development of two million hectares of sugar palm trees, as well as support the employment sector," he added.