Jakarta – The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (EMR) said that although it has conducted a trial of blending fuel oil (BBM) with biofuel, particularly molasses-based bioethanol, its implementation must still consider the availability of domestic bioethanol sources.
Director General of Oil and Gas at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Tutuka Ariadji, responded that the move, which aims to improve fuel quality in Indonesia, is essential to maintain the continuity of the supply chain and energy sustainability.
“We have tested the blending of Pertalite RON 90 with bioethanol, which produces fuel with RON 92, but its implementation must pay attention to the availability of local bioethanol,” Tutuka Ariadji said in an official statement. According to him, bioethanol development must also be ensured to not interfere with other natural resources.
He also stated that implementing bioethanol blending in all fuel types will take a long time. Indonesia still needs a significant supply chain for bioethanol in its upstream sector. Ariadji emphasised the need for technical, economic, and commercial trials before more comprehensive implementation. (Hartatik)
