Expert Values E10 Policy As A Concrete Step For Government Towards Green Energy

JAKARTA - Transformation towards green energy is now an important agenda for many countries, including Indonesia. In an effort to reduce dependence on fossil energy and reduce carbon emissions, the government continues to encourage the use of renewable energy sources, one of which is through the use of ethanol as a mixture of fuel oil (BBM).

This move is not only environmentally oriented, but also strengthens national energy independence by utilizing the potential of local natural resources.

Professor of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and the Aerospace of the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) Prof. Tri Yuswidjajanto assessed that the policy of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia which requires the ethanol content of 10 percent in fuel oil (E10) is a real step in the journey to green energy.

"The policy of mixing ethanol in fuel shows that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is already on the correct roadmap (road map) towards green energy. Moreover, developed countries have long used ethanol to suppress carbon emissions," Tri said in a confirmed statement in Jakarta, Sunday.

Furthermore, Prof. Tri views this policy as the right and visionary step because it utilizes the potential of abundant local raw materials in Indonesia, such as sugar cane, cassava, and corn.

"Ethanol from sugar cane, corn, or cassava is not only environmentally friendly, but also strengthens the domestic energy supply chain. As long as the ethanol levels are properly regulated, the vehicle will not experience significant technical problems," he said.

According to him, the implementation of the E10 policy can be the basis for national energy independence while at the same time driving the people's economy, especially in the agricultural sector and the bioethenol industry.

Prof. Tri added that the utilization of ethanol plays an important role in reducing dependence on fuel imports which so far have contributed more than 45 percent of the national energy needs.

In addition, the development of the domestic bioethenol industry is also believed to be able to create new jobs and increase the added value of agricultural products in Indonesia.

"This is a strategic step to build energy independence based on domestic resources. The government just has to ensure the continuity of supply of raw materials and distribution infrastructure," he said.

Previously, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia said that President Prabowo Subianto had approved the policy of implementing E10 as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions while reducing dependence on fuel imports.

"Yesterday night we had a meeting with the President. The President has agreed to plan a mandatory 10 percent ethanol," said Bahlil in Jakarta, Tuesday, October 7.