Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — Pertamina New & Renewable Energy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with US Grains & BioProducts Council to enhance collaboration in bioethanol development in Indonesia through joint studies, knowledge exchange, and capacity building. The agreement was formalized on March 27, 2026, in Jakarta as part of efforts to support national energy transition initiatives.
The partnership aims to strengthen institutional and technical capabilities by facilitating structured knowledge exchange, adopting global best practices, and supporting the development of Indonesia’s bioethanol ecosystem, including its potential contribution to the implementation of E10 ethanol-blended fuel.
Oki Muraza, Vice President Director of PT Pertamina (Persero), emphasized that the collaboration plays a key role in enhancing national capacity through global learning. He stated that bioethanol represents a strategic intersection between energy security and sustainability, and that Indonesia can benefit from international experience in feedstock diversification, regulatory frameworks, and ethanol fuel blending practices.
Under the agreement, both parties will conduct joint assessments on strengthening the bioethanol supply chain and infrastructure, covering technical, commercial, and regulatory readiness aspects. The cooperation also includes technical training programs, expert exchanges, and the organization of forums and workshops to share global best practices.
John Anis, President Director of Pertamina NRE, noted that the initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to accelerating energy transition through knowledge-based strategic partnerships. He highlighted that structured collaboration—through joint studies, training, and expertise exchange—will help build an adaptive and sustainable bioethanol ecosystem in Indonesia.
The collaboration also supports domestic capacity development through technology adoption, operational optimization, and improved understanding of production management and feedstock diversification. In addition, both parties will facilitate dialogue on market development, sustainability frameworks, and public communication strategies to support ethanol-blended fuel implementation.
Mark Wilson, Chairman of USGBC, stated that the MoU serves as an implementation platform focused on tangible actions. He emphasized that the partnership will prioritize knowledge exchange in ethanol production and supply chains, strengthen technical and market development aspects, and support Indonesia’s readiness in developing ethanol-based fuels.
The signing of the MoU reflects a shared commitment between Pertamina NRE and USGBC to advance collaboration through knowledge exchange, capacity building, and the adoption of global best practices. The synergy is expected to contribute significantly to the development of a sustainable bioethanol ecosystem and to reinforce Indonesia’s broader energy transition efforts. (*)
