DETIK.COM – The Association of Indonesian Automotive Industries (GAIKINDO) stated that the use of ethanol-blended fuel is not new and does not pose any issues for vehicles in Indonesia. Ethanol is a type of alcohol produced through the fermentation of plant-based materials such as sugarcane and corn. It has long been used in various countries as an environmentally friendly fuel. The goal is to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
GAIKINDO Secretary General Kukuh Kumara said that ethanol-blended fuel has already been studied and tested before. This includes fuels currently available on the market, such as Pertamax Green 95, which contains five percent ethanol (E5). He cited Brazil as an example, where ethanol blends of up to 100 percent are used. Indonesia, he added, should face no significant challenges in implementing 5–10 percent ethanol blends (E5–E10).
According to Kukuh, most Japanese-made vehicles in Indonesia are already ready to use fuel with a 10 percent ethanol blend (E10), in line with the government’s plan to introduce it next year. E10 fuel, in general, has gone through testing and evaluation by vehicle manufacturers, so it is expected to be safe for use.
However, Kukuh emphasized that the main challenge does not lie in vehicle compatibility but in fuel supply availability. Currently, ethanol-blended fuels are only available in major cities. He estimated that nationwide implementation of E10 could be achieved by 2029. (*)
