Alternative Fuel Bobibos Undergoes Feasibility Testing Before Market Launch
The Directorate General of Oil and Gas (Ditjen Migas) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is continuing the evaluation process for the alternative fuel Bobibos, developed by PT Inti Sinergi Formula. The product is now entering the feasibility testing stage before it can be marketed widely in Indonesia.
The Director of Technical and Environmental Affairs for Oil and Gas, Noor Arifin Muhammad, stated that Ditjen Migas has again summoned the producer to refine the laboratory testing plan and ensure product standards and classification.
“This summons is a follow-up to the initial meeting on 14 April, to refine the laboratory testing plan and ensure standardisation and product classification before it is marketed or used widely,” Noor said, quoted from a written statement on Sunday, 26 April 2026.
In this process, Ditjen Migas has requested that Bobibos undergo a series of tests to determine its product category, whether it falls under vegetable fuel (BBN) or petroleum fuel (BBM). Noor said that all technical tests will be carried out by Lemigas in accordance with applicable procedures. “We ask Bobibos to proactively follow up on these technical steps to ensure the process is accountable,” he added.
The initial testing phase involves sampling the fuel from storage tanks using the international standard ASTM D4057. The test results will serve as the basis for assessing the product’s feasibility before it is marketed to the public.
Meanwhile, PT Inti Sinergi Formula has stated its readiness to follow the entire testing process in accordance with regulations. Previously, the company had conducted internal identification, but found that the Bobibos product specifications did not yet meet several standard parameters, either for the BBN or BBM category.
What is Bobibos
Bobibos is an alternative vegetable-based fuel developed by PT Inti Sinergi Formula. The name Bobibos is an acronym for Bahan Bakar Original Buatan Indonesia, Bos! (Original Fuel Made in Indonesia, Mate!). This product utilises rice straw waste as its main raw material and is developed in Jonggol, Bogor Regency, West Java.
This fuel began to gain public attention at the end of 2025 after going viral for being claimed to have an octane value or RON of up to 98, equivalent to high-quality petroleum fuel. The innovation was initiated by the Chief Executive Officer of PT Inti Sinergi Formula, Ikhlas Thamrin, who stated that the development of Bobibos stems from the utilisation of local resources.
Ikhlas said that the idea for developing this fuel had been pioneered for about a decade and has been accelerated amid issues of fuel scarcity and high prices in Indonesia. From research conducted since 2014, he saw great potential in agricultural waste to be processed into environmentally friendly energy.
“Rice is a food commodity that is greatly needed. The remainder, namely the straw, can be used by us as raw material for Bobibos,” he said.
The entire research and development process is carried out domestically. To date, Bobibos production is still in a limited stage while awaiting mass production permits from the government. The company has produced around 3,000 litres, which was launched in November 2025, with usage trials still focused on industrial needs in the Jonggol area.