DPR Calls for Re-evaluation of Ethanol Implementation, Citing It's Not Yet Engine-Friendly

KatadataOTO – The policy of implementing 10 percent ethanol in fuel oil (BBM), continues to draw many responses from various parties.

A member of Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) RI commented on the discourse. He requested that the implementation of 10 percent ethanol be reviewed again.

"For many vehicles, the current ethanol content is not yet friendly to the engine, although it is more environmentally friendly," said Ateng Sutisna, a member of Commission XII of the DPR RI on the official DPR website on Monday (13/10).

Ateng assesses that there are still many two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles that use conventional combustion systems.

Photo : Antara

So they are not yet fully ready to accept high ethanol levels in fuel. It has the potential to affect the performance and durability of certain components.

"It is hoped that as car engine technology becomes more advanced, ethanol will become a better choice," said Ateng.

Nevertheless, the DPR RI member appreciated the plan of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM).

However, he noted that the implementation of 10 percent ethanol should not force private gas stations and sacrifice fuel quality.

Therefore, Ateng emphasized that energy policy must adapt to market readiness, as well as the supporting infrastructure.

"So for now, it is not appropriate to immediately implement the addition of E10 ethanol. But when engine technology in Indonesia is more advanced, this policy will be more ideal to support the clean energy transition," Ateng concluded.

Ateng suggested that the government should collaborate with automotive experts and work with players in the vehicle industry.

So they can consult on determining the ethanol mixture, so that the impact on engine performance can be well anticipated.

"We want a successful energy transition process, not a forced transition. So the steps must be gradual, adjusting to national technological readiness," Ateng emphasized.

Consider National Capacity

As a reminder, other DPR members also warned Bahlil Lahadalia, the Minister of ESDM, to consider the domestic ethanol production capacity.

Whether it is truly capable of meeting the needs before the program is implemented nationally.

Photo : Antara

"I support E10 as a step towards clean energy. But this policy should not open up new import taps," said Ratna Juwita, a member of Commission XII of the DPR RI on a separate occasion.

Ratna is pushing for the acceleration of the construction of a large-scale bioethanol plant in Bojonegoro, East Java.

She assesses that the capacity of existing plants is still far from sufficient to meet the need for ethanol as a fuel mixture.