Jakarta: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has sought details on the country’s preparedness to introduce petrol blended with 20 to 50 per cent ethanol (E20-E50), as the government works on a coordinated plan to strengthen energy independence. The government has also decided to continue its B50 biodiesel programme amid continuing global geopolitical uncertainties, VOI reported.
Coordinating Minister for Industrialisation and Energy Transition and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia said the issue was discussed during a meeting with the President at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Tuesday, November 3.
Bahlil said the President had asked about preparations for introducing E20 to E50 fuels as part of efforts to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources. He added that a strategic plan had been prepared in coordination with the Agriculture Minister to ensure the availability of raw materials.
E20 contains 20 per cent ethanol blended with petrol, while E50 has an ethanol content of 50 per cent. The programme will require a steady supply of agricultural raw materials, making coordination between the energy and agriculture ministries essential.
However, Bahlil did not disclose the proposed implementation timeline, the quantity of raw materials required, available ethanol production capacity or the different stages of the programme.
Meanwhile, the government has decided to maintain the B50 biodiesel programme, under which diesel fuel is blended with 50 per cent biodiesel. Bahlil said continuing the programme was important given the uncertainty surrounding global geopolitical developments.
The government’s plans indicate that biofuels remain an important part of Indonesia’s strategy to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on conventional fuels. However, details regarding the technical preparedness and implementation schedules for the E20-E50 and B50 programmes are yet to be announced.
During the meeting, the President also received updates on developments in various sectors, including state-owned enterprises, agriculture, fisheries and energy. In the energy sector, particular attention was given to preparations for higher ethanol blending in petrol and the continuation of the B50 biodiesel programme.
