Implementation of Ethanol-Blended Fuel Must Start in Major Cities

KatadataOTO – The government's plan to mandate 10 percent ethanol content in fuel in Indonesia will soon be implemented.

The plan began to be discussed after a number of gas station companies canceled using base fuel from Pertamina due to its ethanol content.

However, fuel with a 10 percent ethanol blend, or E10, still has its own pros and cons.

For example, a change or adjustment in the price of gasoline blended with ethanol, although it is considered not to be significant.

Photo : Antara

It's not just about the fuel; it should be noted that not all cars are compatible with using E10, especially older vehicles over 10 years old.

Therefore, Toyota, as one of the four-wheeled vehicle manufacturers in the country, suggests that the implementation could start in large cities and certain regions.

“In big cities, it must start. For example, in the Pondok Indah area, (vehicle users) must use ethanol,” said Bob Azam, Vice President Director of PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN) in Karawang, on Thursday (09/10).

Large cities are the main target because they have large populations and vehicles with suitable specifications. From a financial perspective, they are also believed to be better off.

Thus, they are able to accommodate suitable vehicles and fuel, in this case, ethanol.

Meanwhile, subsidized fuel or RON 90 gasoline like Pertalite is placed in areas that truly need it.

“Areas that are already well-off, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the millions, must start having hydrogen stations, ethanol 85. The cars will surely adapt,” Bob asserted.

Regardless of these matters, Toyota stated that its vehicle lineup is compatible with fuel specifications of E10 and above.

Photo : KatadataOTO

Toyota emphasized that this is being done to follow the energy roadmap as planned by the government.

One of Toyota's innovations is the Kijang Innova Zenix Flexy Fuel, which is even claimed to be able to run on a gasoline-ethanol blend of up to 85 percent.

Thus, the vehicle lineup from the Japanese manufacturer is said to be ready to follow the new regulations that will be implemented by the government in the future.