Jakarta – The Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) has launched a program to process oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) into bioethanol using glucose extraction technology, turning a previously underutilised byproduct into a renewable energy source.
Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, on Tuesday, September 16, said that this step not only supports energy security but also accelerates the transformation towards a green industry.
“Cross-sector synergy is essential for Indonesia to produce bioethanol from palm oil waste on an industrial scale. We are optimistic that collaboration between the government, industry, and research institutions will be the key to success in achieving sustainable technology,” Agus said in an official statement.
This program involves the Centre for Standardisation and Agro-Industrial Services (BBSPJIA) as the research centre, in collaboration with PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN), PT Rekayasa Industri, and the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB).
The Head of the Agency for Industrial Services Standards and Policy (BSKJI), Andi Rizaldi, believes that this partnership lays a crucial foundation for green innovation in Indonesia.
“The close collaboration between BBSPJIA, Toyota, and ITB shows how research and industry can work hand in hand. We are committed to developing industrial standardisation and services that accelerate the transformation towards an environmentally conscious economy,” he said.
As part of this project, BBSPJIA operates the TKKS Fractionation Pilot Plant, a facility capable of converting palm oil waste into value-added products such as bioethanol, glucose, xylose, lignin, and other derivatives.
Head of BBSPJIA, Yuni Herlina Harahap, explained that the pilot plant serves as a research and development facility that supports the industry in producing renewable energy from palm oil waste.
“This pilot project is a technical collaboration that is expected to encourage the development of sustainable palm oil-based bioenergy technology. From here, the path for further research on biomass as an environmentally friendly energy source will become increasingly open,” said Yuni.
He added that this initiative also confirms that Indonesia can become a major player in the global clean energy market, provided that communication between parties continues.
“We are confident that, through cooperation, Indonesia can move towards a highly competitive green industry. This cross-sector collaboration is proof that innovation can go hand in hand with environmental interests,” he added.
Similar support came from the industrial sector. TMMIN Vice President Bob Azam believes that the use of bioethanol from palm oil waste is not only an alternative energy solution, but also part of the circular economy.
“Bioethanol from palm oil waste can reduce environmental impact while increasing the added value of the palm oil industry. We greatly appreciate the role of BBSPJIA in providing real solutions to address future energy challenges,” said Bob.
This collaboration between the Ministry of Industry, Toyota, ITB, and BBSPJIA is expected to produce research and technology models that can be replicated in various palm oil-producing regions. In this way, previously worthless waste can be transformed into clean energy that supports national economic growth while protecting the environment. (Hartatik)
Banner photo: Image generated by OpenAI’s DALL·E via ChatGPT (2024)
