started · updated
Indonesia advances energy security through biofuels and coal-to-liquid technology
Indonesia is advancing several strategic energy initiatives to bolster national security and reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports. The government is preparing a roadmap for E50 bioethanol, with plans to introduce E10 in 2027 and E20 in 2028, aiming to eventually eliminate finished gasoline imports. Additionally, President Prabowo Subianto has directed the exploration of coal-to-liquid technology to produce gasoline and gas from coal, a method already utilized in countries like Germany and South Africa.
In the renewable sector, PT PLN (Persero) has been tasked with developing the 55 MW Ungaran Geothermal Working Area. The national electricity development plan (RUPTL) 2025–2034 seeks massive investment, estimated between Rp2,600 trillion and Rp2,700 trillion, to support a transition where 70% of new capacity comes from renewable sources. Other developments include the use of solar power at Ahmad Yani Airport and Pertamina's reported 101% achievement of its low-carbon business targets for the first half of 2026.
On the regulatory front, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is implementing reforms to stabilize commodity prices for nickel and coal, which has already contributed to higher non-tax state revenue (PNBP) despite lower production volumes.
Entities
Bahlil Lahadalia · DPR RI · Diponegoro University · Gunung Ungaran · Indonesia · Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources · PT PLN (Persero) · PT Pertamina (Persero) · Prabowo Subianto · Sugeng Suparwoto
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Ahmad Yani Airport in Semarang generated 63,800 kWh of electricity from its 100 kWp solar power plant between January and June. jateng.harianjogja.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Non-tax state revenue (PNBP) from the mineral and coal sector reached Rp108.13 trillion as of August 2026. www.liputan6.com · www.cnbcindonesia.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] PT PLN (Persero) has been assigned to develop the Ungaran Geothermal Working Area with a capacity of up to 55 MW. ecologic.harianjogja.com · www.medcom.id
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Bogor Raya Waste-to-Energy plant targets 20 MW to 30 MW of electricity from processing 1,500 tons of waste daily. ecologic.harianjogja.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The government plans to implement E10 in 2027 and E20 in 2028 as part of a roadmap toward E50. transportasimedia.com · en.antaranews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Sasol in South Africa produces approximately 300,000 barrels per day using coal-to-liquid technology. radarmamuju.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The implementation of E50 bioethanol could eliminate Indonesia's dependence on finished gasoline imports. transportasimedia.com · en.antaranews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is preparing to convert coal into gasoline following presidential directives. radarmamuju.com · www.jpnn.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Indonesia aims to eliminate finished gasoline imports by implementing an E50 bioethanol blend. en.antaranews.com · transportasimedia.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Indonesian government is evaluating technology partners to convert coal into liquid fuel (coal-to-liquid). radarmamuju.com · www.liputan6.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Pertamina's low carbon business performance reached 101% of its 2026 target during the first half of the year. www.jawapos.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Investment needs for national electricity development under the 2025–2034 RUPTL are estimated between Rp2,600 trillion and Rp2,700 trillion. www.ruangenergi.com