Bantul Government, BRIN Introduce Machine to Convert Plastic Waste into Diesel Fuel

The Bantul Regency Government, together with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the Pertamina Foundation, has introduced a machine that processes plastic waste into an alternative diesel fuel as part of efforts to tackle the region’s waste problem. Bantul Regent Abdul Halim Muslih stated that the pyrolysis machine innovation is a valuable discovery because it can convert plastic waste into diesel fuel, with the resulting product named Petasol. “This will address the waste problems we face, especially plastic waste,” Halim said in Yogyakarta on Tuesday. According to him, plastic waste generation in Bantul is substantial, accounting for up to 31 percent of the total waste produced. “If 600 tonnes of waste are produced daily in Bantul, then around 180 tonnes of it is plastic,” he said. Based on this data, Halim sees potential in developing plastic waste into Petasol, particularly with the arrival of the pyrolysis machine. “If we absorb all the plastic waste that the people of Bantul produce every day, this will become a significant potential for environmental improvement,” he explained. Halim noted that one pyrolysis machine, an innovation from BRIN and the Pertamina Foundation handed over to the Pilah Berkah Independent Community Group in Kapanewon Imogiri, Bantul, can at least mitigate two issues: the accumulation of waste in Bantul and energy subsidies by providing a high-quality alternative fuel. “This means reducing subsidies or the need for fossil-based energy,” said Halim. Edi Hilmawan, Director of Technology Audit and Transfer Systems at BRIN, added that BRIN offers many options regarding innovations or technologies that can be collaborated on with regions through partnerships with communities, local governments, and industry. “One example is the pyrolysis machine to tackle this waste problem,” he said. He noted that the cetane number, which indicates combustion quality in diesel engine fuel, for the diesel produced from Petasol is quite good, at a rating of 51. However, he added, refinements are needed, as the specific density has not yet been standardised. “In principle, this Petasol is safe for use in vehicles,” said Edi. During the occasion, Bupati Abdul Halim Muslih also symbolically filled two vehicles directly with Petasol from a mini pump, a waste truck and a minibus, as proof that Petasol is safe to use.