Coordinating Minister Zulhas states sugarcane plantations will be expanded for E20 programme

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) has stated that sugarcane plantations will be expanded to meet the requirements of the E20 bioethanol biofuel programme without disrupting food security, specifically regarding sugar production.

“Yes, the plantations will be increased,” said Zulhas when met during the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum held in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Zulhas explained that the raw materials for E20 do not only originate from sugarcane. The government can also utilise other raw materials, such as cassava.

However, at present, if the supply of E20 raw materials relies on sugarcane, Zulhas reaffirmed that the current supply is insufficient.

“E20 can come from sugarcane, cassava, or others. Currently, there is a shortage. Therefore, if we want to use sugarcane, we must open new plantations,” said Zulhas.

Previously, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, stated that Indonesia would not need to import petroleum products if E50 bioethanol is implemented.

Nevertheless, Bahlil noted that the government does not want the ethanol requirements for the E50 programme to rely on imports from other countries. According to Bahlil, the necessity of importing ethanol to meet E50 needs would be equivalent to being dependent on other nations.