Academics Agree To Use Etanol In Fuel, What's The Reason?

JAKARTA - Professor of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and the Dirgantara of the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Tri Yus Widjajanto assessed that the policy of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia which encourages the use of ethanol as a mixture of fuel oil (BBM) is a concrete step towards green energy and national energy independence.

This step, he said, is proof that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is on the right track according to the clean energy transition roadmap. Tri said the use of ethanol in fuel is a strategic policy that is in line with the global trend of decarbonization. He assessed that Minister Bahlil's move was not only technical innovation, but also an important foundation towards self-sufficiency in energy.

The policy of mixing ethanol in fuel shows that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is already on the right roadmap towards green energy. Developed countries have long used ethanol to suppress carbon emissions. Indonesia has great potential from local raw materials such as sugar cane, cassava, and corn. So this policy is precise and visionary," Tri said in a discussion entitled A Year of New Government, How Is National Energy Independence? organized by IWEB in Bandung, Friday 10 October.

Tri emphasized that this step also opens up great opportunities for increasing the regional economy, especially areas that produce bioethenol raw materials. With cross-sectoral synergy, the policy can create a multiplier effect from reducing imports to creating new jobs at the local level.

"If it is carried out seriously, this program can be an initial milestone for national energy independence while at the same time growing the people's economy," he said.

In line with that view, the Lecturer of the Faculty of Economics and Business at the Islamic University of Bandung (FEB Unisba) Doctoral Program, Prof. Ima Amaliah, assessed that the impetus for the use of ethanol was part of efforts to realize sustainable energy self-sufficiency according to President Prabowo Subianto's direction as stated in the second point of Asta Cita.

He appreciated the direction of government policy under the control of President Prabowo, who not only focused on resource exploitation, but also on domestic energy independence and innovation.

"I really appreciate the current government's steps. This is not just a matter of energy technology, but a matter of long-term vision. If it can be consistent, Indonesia will be truly independent," said Ima.

Ima added that the green energy program such as ethanol is an important momentum to improve Indonesia's dependence on fuel imports, which currently reaches almost half of the national needs. According to him, import substitution should be the main strategy to strengthen the structure of the domestic energy economy.

"We have to produce our own. Do not let cheap crude oil exports but expensive fuel imports. Initiatives such as ethanol actually help strengthen national energy independence," he said.

Previously, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia stated that the mandatory 10 percent ethanol (E10) mix policy would take effect in 2025 at all Indonesian gas stations. He called this policy a step to reduce dependence on oil and fuel imports while at the same time encouraging energy independence based on domestic vegetable resources.

Because, said Bahlil, ethanol comes from plants that can be obtained domestically, such as sugar cane, corn, and cassava. Ethanol content in fuel (will) reduce the country's dependence on fuel imports," said Bahlil.

To meet the increasing demand for ethanol, Minister Bahlil said President Prabowo Subianto had ordered to build two ethanol factories, namely the ethanol factory from sugar cane in Merauke and the ethanol factory from the cassava which is still being sought.

He said that his party would immediately make a roadmap to encourage domestic gasoline mixed with 10 percent ethanol.

"The President's directive is clear for us to build the ethanol industry. [Butuh] 2-3 years from now, yes, so we have to calculate carefully first," he concluded.