Jakarta, July 18, 2023 – At the end of July 2023, PT Pertamina plans to launch Pertamax Green 95 fuel, a blend of Pertamax gasoline and molasses-based bioethanol. Sustainable MADANI believes this policy could bring Indonesia one step closer to energy transition and energy independence if followed up with diversification of biofuel sources.
PT Pertamina, through its subsidiary, PT Pertamina Niaga, will begin limited distribution of Pertamax Green 95, a blend of 95% Pertamax gasoline and 5% bioethanol, this July. The bioethanol is made from molasses, a byproduct of the sugar-making process.
"Indonesia's sustainable energy mix still needs to be improved. Therefore, this molasses-based innovation can be seen as a small first step toward utilizing other sustainable fuel sources, especially those derived from residues or waste," explained Giorgio Budi Indrarto, Deputy Executive Director of MADANI Berkelanjutan, in response to the launch of Pertamax Green 95.
This isn't the first time PT Pertamina has blended fossil fuels with biofuels (BBN). Since 2008, Pertamina has been blending diesel with palm oil-based biodiesel, with the current blend reaching 35%, in accordance with the B35 policy of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. To date, palm oil is the only biofuel feedstock whose use is mandated and incentivized by the government.
"The expansion of oil palm plantations still carries social and environmental risks. Therefore, while continuing to improve palm oil governance, the government also needs to optimize the use of various raw material sources in the development of second-generation biofuels, which are derived from waste or garbage. These other sources could include used cooking oil; corn cobs; molasses, such as that used in Pertamax Green 95; agricultural waste; and so on. See ssstik , " explained Giorgio Budi Indrarto.
Giorgio Budi Indrarto also emphasized that diversification of fuel sources aligns with Indonesia's target of shifting to sustainable energy to reduce emissions. In its Long-Term Strategy for Low Carbon and Climate Resilience (LTS-LCCR) 2050, Indonesia aims for biofuels to contribute 46% of the total energy in the transportation sector by 2050.
"Achieving the 2050 LTS-LCCR target requires the use of various raw materials to prevent Indonesia from relying solely on palm oil. Excessive dependence on a single raw material carries numerous economic, social, and ecological risks," added Giorgio Budi Indrarto.
In addition to supporting the energy transition, Giorgio Budi Indrarto also highlighted another advantage of biofuel feedstock diversification: supporting energy independence. "Diversification of biofuel feedstock is an effort to maximize domestic energy resources, which can then stimulate the economy in various regions. It's important to remember that different regions in Indonesia have different biofuel resource potentials that deserve to be developed, but have not yet been developed," explained Giorgio Budi Indrarto.
Concluding his response, Giorgio Budi Indrarto also encouraged the public to choose sustainable fuels. "This way, the public can play a role in increasing domestic demand for sustainable energy."
Sustainable Indonesian Society and Nature (MADANI) is a non-profit organization working to address the climate crisis through research and advocacy. Founded in 2016, MADANI Sustainable strives to achieve balanced development in Indonesia across economic, ecological, and social dimensions. We formulate and promote innovative solutions to the climate crisis by fostering collaboration between various stakeholders. MADANI's current focus includes forest and climate issues, sustainable commodities, regional sustainable development, and biofuels.
Media contact : Luluk Uliyah, Media & Stakeholder Engagement MADANI Berkelanjutan, via email: luluk@arsip.madaniberkelanjutan.id.
