SOE Minister Erick Thohir Ready To LIKE Bioethenol Fuel Station

Erick Thohir (Photo via Ministry of SOEs)

JAKARTA - SOE Minister Erick Thohir plans to launch a bioethenol refueling station in Surabaya as a step to reduce fuel imports.

"We have also tested PTPN for ethanol production, which later we will launch Pom (Bioetanol) in Surabaya," Erick said in a Limited Meeting with Commission VI of the DPR, Monday, February 13.

Erick assessed that Indonesia has very large natural resources. However, unfortunately, no road map is seriously worked on. For example, B35 plus ethanol, which can suppress fuel imports.

"If we push, B35 plus ethanol, this will reduce fuel imports," continued the number one person at the Ministry of SOEs.

Erick said that in an effort to suppress fuel imports, it is not enough just to build an electric vehicle ecosystem. But also develop alternative fuel in the country.

"If we consistently build an electric vehicle ecosystem, we can significantly suppress fuel imports," he continued.

According to him, B35 has a shape that is not much different from ethanol. Because, ethanol comes from plants with a more complex logistics process.

"B35 and Ethanol are similar, from plants. He has a more complex logistics process than those from the earth's products. 3-4 months will be tested in Surabaya," he said.

Previously, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) together with the research team of the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) and the United States Grains Council (USGC) succeeded in launching a roadmap or strategic roadmap for the Acceleration of Bioethenol Implementation in Indonesia.

Bioenergy Director Edi Wibowo said the study of the roadmap, which began to be compiled in 2021, was useful for supporting the program to implement the use of bioethenol in fuel for motorized vehicles and preparing the bioethenol industry in Indonesia.