Indonesia to launch new asphalt blend to save Rp 4 trillion in foreign exchange

Indonesia's Ministry of Public Works is promoting the use of Buton asphalt (Asbuton) to reduce national dependence on imports, a move projected to save approximately Rp 4 trillion in foreign exchange annually. To support this, the ministry has issued new regulations regarding the use of processed Asbuton in construction.

Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo announced the upcoming launch of ‘Aspal Merah Putih’, a new product created by blending Asbuton with liquid asphalt produced by Pertamina. The government aims to launch this product following August 17.

While encouraging the adoption of Asbuton for toll roads and national infrastructure, the Minister emphasized that the material must not increase construction costs or lead to higher toll tariffs. He stated that the target price for Asbuton should be at least equal to, or ideally lower than, conventional asphalt.