PTPN I Trials Sorghum Planting on 20 Hectares to Support Bioethanol
PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) I has begun developing sorghum as a commodity through a 20-hectare trial planting in Lampung to support the provision of bioethanol raw materials.
PTPN I Corporate Secretary Aris Handoyo stated that the development of sorghum is part of the mandate received by the company to support the government’s downstreaming and energy transition agendas.
“For now, we are testing the development of 20 hectares in Lampung. We are attempting to study the cultivation methods, as PTPN I has never planted sorghum before,” he said during a discussion with the media in Jakarta on Monday night.
In addition to sorghum, PTPN I has also been tasked with developing cassava as an alternative raw material source that can be utilised to support the national bioethanol industry.
Aris explained that Lampung was chosen as the initial development site because it possesses suitable land potential and is located near the planned development of the bioethanol supply chain. The initial stage is being conducted through a 20-hectare experimental planting to obtain the necessary technical data before entering a wider development phase.
Through this trial, the company will evaluate which sorghum varieties are most suitable for the land conditions and the requirements of the bioethanol processing industry. PTPN I will also study cultivation techniques, crop productivity, maintenance patterns, and post-harvest systems to ensure that development is carried out efficiently and sustainably.
Aris noted that a gradual approach is necessary to ensure the company does not face production failure risks that could hinder government programmes or cause losses to the company. If the trial results show good performance, the company will consider larger-scale development in accordance with national programme needs.
Sorghum and cassava are projected to become bioethanol raw materials that can be used as a blend for petrol in renewable energy programmes. Consequently, the bioethanol supply will not only depend on sugarcane but can also be supported by alternative commodities developed in various regions.
PTPN I will play the role of raw material supplier in this programme, while the development of the processing industry will be carried out through collaboration between the government and the industrial sector.
In the long term, sorghum development is aimed at supporting the target set by the government, which involves expanding the area to approximately 24,000 hectares if the initial stage is successful.
“The Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstreaming, Todotua Pasaribu, has a target of up to 24,000 hectares. This is no small matter. This means PTPN must first equip itself,” he said.
PTPN I considers this target quite ambitious, meaning the company needs to equip itself with experience, technology, and resource readiness before accelerating development in accordance with government directives.
“PTPN needs to learn. But once PTPN has mastered this commodity, we can accelerate its development in line with the government’s target,” said Aris.