The government plans to implement ethanol-blended fuel, requiring extensive preparations.

KatadataOTO – The plan to implement fuel oil, or BBM, with ethanol content is one of the government's efforts to reduce domestic exhaust emissions.

In countries like Thailand, ethanol blends in fuel are already common. However, there are still several things that need to be considered for optimal implementation.

It should be noted that not all vehicles can accommodate E10 ethanol-blend fuel as the government intends to implement.

Therefore, before E10 is used in Indonesia, there are several things that must be prepared by the government and relevant stakeholders, including car manufacturers.

Photo : Antara

Analysts assess that a number of cars produced before 2010 are only compatible up to E5, or fuel with a five percent ethanol blend.

If they are to use E10, then many vehicle components will need to be replaced.

This deserves attention because there are still many users of older vehicles in Indonesia.

“There are around 137.4 million motorcycles and 20.1 million passenger cars. More than 90 percent of them are older vehicles,” said Yannes Martinus Pasaribu, an observer and academic from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), to KatadataOTO recently.

According to Yannes, the rubber components in the fuel hoses of older cars are not yet compatible with ethanol.

Therefore, forcing its use could lead to damage and impaired car performance.

Not only vehicles, but the fuel tanks at Public Fuel Filling Stations (SPBU) must also use special materials.

“Underground fuel tanks at many gas stations, which are made of metal, also require an anti-oxidant stabilizer,” Yannes emphasized.

Therefore, although E10 and higher fuels are said to have a positive impact on the environment, their effect on vehicles must also be a consideration.

Photo : Pertamina

The suitability of gasoline tanks and the readiness of gas station infrastructure are crucial for E10 to be implemented properly.

Without a transition, ecosystem preparation, and public education, the implementation of ethanol-blend fuel in Indonesia will still be difficult.

“The government needs to collaborate with all Brand Holder Agents (APM) to ensure a smooth transition process,” Yannes asserted.