BKPM Accelerates Integrated Biofuel Development in Lampung

The Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) is accelerating the development of an integrated biofuel plant in Lampung Province as part of efforts to promote the downstreaming of the plantation sector while strengthening national energy security. In an official statement in Jakarta on Wednesday, Deputy Minister for Investment and Downstreaming/Deputy Head of BKPM Todotua Pasaribu said the project, which carries an integrated bioethanol concept, is expected to become a model for renewable energy development based on agriculture and domestic resources. This commitment was reaffirmed during a coordination meeting and field visit for integrated bioethanol development in Lampung Province with the Lampung Provincial Government, PT Pertamina New and Renewable Energy (PNRE), PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN), and other relevant stakeholders on Tuesday (9/6). On that occasion, a Joint Declaration titled ‘Collaboration in Establishing Bioethanol Ecosystem Development’ was signed by the Lampung Provincial Government, PNRE, TMMIN, and PT Toyota Tsusho Indonesia (TTI). The declaration serves as a foundation for collaboration in developing the raw material supply chain, constructing bioethanol production facilities, strengthening partnerships with the agricultural sector, developing technology, and accelerating investment realisation to support national energy security. According to Todotua, Lampung was chosen as the initial development location due to its advantages in raw material availability and infrastructure support. ‘Lampung has the most capable feedstock for national bioethanol development. Furthermore, its position is highly strategic as it can supply the needs of Sumatra and parts of Java, which are the largest energy consumption centres in Indonesia. Therefore, we have designated Lampung as the initial location for developing the national bioethanol ecosystem,’ Todotua asserted. During a field visit to Tegineneng District, Pesawaran Regency, and Rejosari Village, South Lampung Regency, the delegation inspected the readiness of the site projected to become an integrated bioethanol development area. The inspection results showed that Lampung possesses strong raw material potential, from sugarcane molasses, sorghum, to biomass waste that can be utilised for the development of first-generation and second-generation bioethanol.