Indonesia's E50 bioethanol program to require 320 new plants: minister

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s roadmap to mandate a 50 percent bioethanol fuel blend (E50) could require the construction of 320 new ethanol plants across the country, according to Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Brian Yuliarto.

Speaking at the Danantara Technology & Innovation Investment Forum 2026 on Monday, Yuliarto stated that building the processing facilities—each with a capacity of 60,000 kiloliters—is essential to satisfy national demand and slash fossil fuel imports.

"To meet the requirements for E50, we need to build 320 ethanol plants, each with a capacity of 60,000 kiloliters," Yuliarto said, highlighting that the initiative aims to redirect up to $50 billion in annual energy import spending toward local industries.

The minister urged tight collaboration between government, academia, and private investors like sovereign fund Danantara, advocating for regulatory reform to accelerate commercializing domestic bioethanol technologies.

Under the government's phased energy strategy, Indonesia plans to introduce an E10 bioethanol blend in 2027 before scaling up to E20 in 2028 and eventually reaching E50.

With annual national gasoline consumption hovering near 40 million kiloliters, the strategy leverages local feedstock—including sugarcane, cassava, and corn—to insulate domestic fuel supplies from global market volatility.

Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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