Indonesia's government targets nationwide implementation of 10% ethanol-blended gasoline (E10) by 2027 to reduce fossil fuel dependence. In a discussion at the University of Indonesia, experts affirmed E10's safety for modern vehicles while highlighting the need for a clear roadmap and regional synergy. They also recommended hydrous bioethanol for economic and environmental efficiency.
A public discussion organized by the Center for Energy Security Studies for Sustainable Development (PUSKEP) at the University of Indonesia took place at the UI Salemba Campus on Friday (November 7, 2025). The event was attended by journalists, students, and energy researchers, and opened by Mauren Lumban Toruan, Deputy Director of the School of Sustainable Development Postgraduate Program, and Hendro Prabowo, Head of University Development Facilities at the University of Indonesia.
Experts agreed that E10 is safe for use provided there is consistency in specifications and even implementation across all fuel stations (SPBU). Gaikindo Secretary General, Kukuh Kumara, assured safety based on extensive tests by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) in the Asia Pacific region, including Indonesia. "The implementation of E10 is safe for almost all motor vehicles produced starting from the year 2000," Kukuh stated firmly.
Kukuh urged the government to design a clear implementation roadmap, covering technical and economic aspects. Ethanol raw materials come from agricultural commodities such as cassava, corn, sugarcane, and sorghum, necessitating regional synergy. "All parties need to synergize and prioritize their regional strengths, for example, ethanol in East Java from sugarcane, in Lampung with cassava, and so on," he explained.
Senior PUSKEP UI researcher, Zarkoni Azis, presented that mixing gasoline with anhydrous bioethanol (over 99.5% purity) increases the octane number to 97.1. However, he recommended using hydrous bioethanol (4-5% water content) due to lower production costs and environmental friendliness. "Production costs are cheaper, more environmentally friendly because the energy for producing hydrous bioethanol is also more efficient," Zarkoni clarified.
PUSKEP UI Chairman, Ali Ahmudi, emphasized the need for even distribution of E10 implementation in 2027 across all SPBU, including private ones, to avoid consumer confusion and support the national energy transition.