Enviro News Asia, Washington, D.C — Indonesian Ambassador to the United States, Indroyono Soesilo, held a productive meeting with the Indonesian delegation from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) and Pertamina, who were in the United States to attend the Global Bioethanol Summit 2025. The delegation is also scheduled to visit Missouri to meet with several U.S. biofuel companies.
The delegation was led by Edi Wibowo, Director of Bioenergy at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and John Anis, President Director of Pertamina New & Renewable Energy (PNRE).
During the meeting, Ambassador Indroyono encouraged the Indonesian delegation to strengthen cooperation with the United States in the development of biofuels, particularly through expanding supply chain networks and investment opportunities.
“We can also learn from the U.S. experience in technological innovation, research excellence, and human resource development,” said Ambassador Indroyono.
The meeting also included a discussion session between the delegation and representatives of the Indonesian Consulate General in the United States to explore potential partnerships with relevant stakeholders across the country.
The United States, as one of the most advanced nations in biofuel development—particularly corn-based bioethanol—possesses expertise and experience that can serve as valuable lessons for Indonesia.
The U.S. has developed genetically modified corn (GMO) varieties produced on a large scale specifically for ethanol production. The use of biofuels is already standardized nationwide, with E10 for gasoline and B2–B20 for biodiesel.
Meanwhile, Indonesia has significant potential to produce bioenergy from diverse raw materials, including corn, sugarcane, cassava, palm sap, sorghum, old oil palm trunks, and empty fruit bunches.
Strengthening cooperation and learning from the U.S. experience will help Indonesia expand its biofuel utilization and accelerate the national energy transition.
“Pertamina NRE is currently constructing a bioethanol plant in Glenmore, East Java, and plans to build five or six additional plants to meet national demand targets,” said John Anis.
At present, Indonesia has successfully achieved a 40% biodiesel blend (B40) using palm oil and aims to implement a 10% ethanol blend (E10) by 2027. Additionally, Indonesia has begun testing the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with a 1% palm oil-based blend.
These initiatives reflect Indonesia’s strong commitment to achieving energy security while supporting a cleaner environment and a more sustainable economy. (*)
