Kemdiktisaintek and Pertamina develop bioethanol from oil palm empty fruit bunches
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek), together with PT Pertamina (Persero), is exploring the development of second-generation bioethanol made from oil palm empty fruit bunches (TKKS), as part of efforts to develop energy technology based on domestic resources.
The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology introduced the results of exploratory discussions with Praj Industries from India, which offered technology and options for building a small-scale pilot plant. The technology will subsequently be assessed from technological, investment, economic, and implementation feasibility perspectives in Indonesia.
“We will try it on a small scale first, so that we can thoroughly understand the parameters of Indonesian oil palm empty fruit bunches and ensure that the innovation developed can truly add value to the resources we have,” said the Minister in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.
Minister Brian assessed that Indonesia has significant potential for TKKS feedstock, including from smallholder plantations. Utilising TKKS as a bioethanol feedstock has the potential to add value to by-products of the palm oil industry without requiring new land clearing.
The development is also in line with the national priority agenda of the President and Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia in the areas of energy security, downstreaming, and optimisation of domestic resources as outlined in the Astacita framework.
“The development of technology based on resources available domestically is expected to support efforts to strengthen energy independence, while creating added value from Indonesia’s potential,” said Brian Yuliarto.
Meanwhile, Vice President Director of PT Pertamina (Persero) Oki Muraza shared research experience related to the utilisation of TKKS, including technology development with several partners.
“Our goal is, if possible, to have our own technology. We have great feedstock potential, so we also need to master the technology,” said Oki Muraza.
Both parties emphasised the importance of ensuring continuity from the research stage to downstreaming and industrial application. In addition to technological aspects, feedstock availability and governance are also of concern.
TKKS is spread across various oil palm production centres, including smallholder plantations, so collection mechanisms, pricing, and distribution need to be designed so that its utilisation can take place sustainably.
In this context, the development of the bioethanol industry is also considered necessary to take into account the interests of communities and business actors along the supply chain, so as to create fair economic benefits for those who provide the feedstock.
Through collaboration between the government, universities, research institutions, and industry, Kemdiktisaintek is encouraging technology development not to stop at the research stage, but to continue to be developed and provide real benefits for the economy and national energy security.