Bobibos Will Follow The Prabowo Government's Directives For His Fuel Trial

JAKARTA - Founder of Indonesian-made Original Fuel (Bobibos), M. Ikhlas Thamrin welcomed the steps taken by the Prabowo Subianto Government through the Center for Oil and Gas Testing (Lemigas) which continued the discussion of trials and the process of licensing Bobibos fuel to the Directorate General of New, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation (EBTKE).

Ikhlas assessed that the decision was an important stage in ensuring that technical standards and legality of products could be met. He stated that his party was ready to follow all directions and procedures set by the regulator.

"Of course we will follow the direction of EBTKE and we must of course follow the stages that have been determined and agreed upon by EBTKE," he said when contacted by telephone, Wednesday, November 19.

Ikhlas explained, Bobibos has two types of products that are being prepared. For fuel products to replace gasoline, his party tends to use the term biogasoline. Meanwhile, for the second product that aims to be fuel to replace diesel, his party is still discussing with the EBTKE team the most appropriate term.

"Bobibos is because he has two products, the first product is referred to as biogasoline. So Bobibos is referred to as biogasoline," he said.

He added that the determination of terms and classification is closely related to the process of drafting technical standards which are the basis for testing. Because, currently there is no template parameter for biogasoline. Ikhlas assesses that discussion forums are needed that involve many stakeholders such as machine manufacturers, regulators, campus researchers, and technology developers.

"Because this biogasoline parameter template does not yet exist, so to determine these parameters, technical communication or kind of FGD needs to be held with various stakeholders," he said.

Furthermore, Ikhlas said the parameters resulting from the discussion would also be the main reference in compiling the test method to be implemented. When this parameter has been determined, of course the continuation is a test method. Later Bobibos will follow the stages of the test method that have been set until the legalization is issued from EBTKE," he said.

Previously, Acting Head of Lemigas Noor Arifin Muhammad emphasized that in principle the Directorate General of Oil and Gas of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources appreciated every effort and innovation of various parties in presenting alternative fuels that were more efficient, environmentally friendly, and had added value for the community.

According to him, innovations such as Bobibos show that Indonesia's energy ecosystem is increasingly dynamic and open to the development of new technology. In that context, Arifin ensured that his party strongly supports the nation's efforts to achieve energy independence. At the same time, it also has the potential to reduce environmental impacts.

"However, for an innovation in the fuel sector before it can be widely used by the community, there are technical procedures and regulations that must be carried out," said Arifin.

He explained that the technical procedures for a product include laboratory testing, an engine test bench, road tests, and further the formulation of technical recommendations and the preparation of fuel specifications. Then, regarding the fulfillment of business regulations, said Arifin, the business entity must have a business license. He ensured that the entire series of procedures were not intended to hinder innovation.

"But to ensure that the fuel is safe to use, it does not pose a risk to vehicles or the environment, supports safety for users, and can provide certainty and protection for consumers," said Arifin.