The alternative fuel Bobibos, claimed to be environmentally friendly with near-zero emissions, was launched in Bogor on November 2, 2025. Founder M. Ikhlas Thamrin revealed that the name is an acronym for Bahan Bakar Original Buatan Indonesia, Bos!. While lab tests show RON 98, the Ministry of ESDM states it is still under review.
The launch of Bobibos took place in Bumi Sultan Jonggal, Bogor Regency, West Java, on Sunday, November 2, 2025. The event was attended by figures such as Mulyadi, a DPR RI member, and H. Amir Mahpud, owner of PT Primajasa Perdanaraya Utama. The fuel is made from rice straw, a plant that grows easily in Indonesian rice fields, and is claimed to support national energy and food security.
M. Ikhlas Thamrin, the founder of Bobibos, explained that the innovation stems from over 10 years of research, driven by concerns over energy import dependency. "Bobibos is not just energy, but also hope. We want rice fields not only to grow food, but also energy," Ikhlas said at the launch. He added, "We want to prove that this nation can stand on its own feet through science. After more than 10 years of independent research, we finally present a fuel that is cheap, safe, and low-emission."
Laboratory tests at Lemigas showed a Research Octane Number (RON) of 98.1, comparable to Pertamax Turbo or Shell V-Power Nitro. Ikhlas was surprised by the result following internal tests on generators, motorcycles, cars, and buses. "Of course because we wanted to know the RON result, we weren't confident even with our own data, so we went to Lemigas. We met the requirements, gave samples, and the lab result stated the gasoline (RON) 98.1. We were shocked from there," he said in a press conference on November 11, 2025.
However, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has not granted official approval. ESDM Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stated, "We're studying it first," when met at the DPR RI building on November 11, 2025. Director General of Oil and Gas Laode Sulaeman appreciated the innovation but emphasized that the testing process takes at least 8 months. "I don't dare mention names and such, but it doesn't reduce my appreciation for the innovation of the nation's children," Laode said. He also clarified that the Lemigas test is only a test result report, not certification, and the results are still confidential.
The launch symbolizes collaboration between innovators, businesses, and communities for Indonesia's energy independence, though Bobibos claims still require further verification.
