Indonesia is considering the introduction of petrol blended with 20 to 50% ethanol (E20-E50).

The country's two-wheeler industry has also called for a multi-technology approach to two-wheeler development, covering internal combustion engines (ICEs), biofuels and battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs).

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has sought information on the country's preparedness to introduce petrol with higher ethanol content. The government has also decided to continue its B50 biodiesel programme amid ongoing global geopolitical uncertainties.

Coordinating Minister for Industrialisation and Energy Transition and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia said the matter was discussed during a meeting with the President at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on November 3rd.

Bahlil said the President had sought details of preparations for introducing E20 to E50 fuels to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources. A strategic plan has been prepared in coordination with the Agriculture Minister to ensure the availability of the required raw materials. E20 contains 20% ethanol blended with petrol, while E50 has an ethanol content of 50%.

The programme will require a consistent supply of agricultural raw materials, making coordination between the energy and agriculture ministries necessary. However, Bahlil did not disclose the proposed implementation timeline, the quantity of raw materials required, existing ethanol production capacity or the various stages of the programme.

The government has also decided to maintain the B50 biodiesel programme, under which diesel is blended with 50% biodiesel. Bahlil said the decision was based on uncertainty surrounding global geopolitical developments.

Two-wheeler industry supports multiple technologies

The government's plans for higher ethanol blending coincide with the Association of Indonesian Motorcycle Industry's (AISI) support for a multi-technology approach to two-wheeler development. The association has stated that Indonesia's mobility requirements cannot be met by relying on a single type of propulsion or energy source.

AISI Head of Commercial Affairs Yosef Utama said conventional ICE technology could be developed further to improve fuel efficiency, while alternative fuels such as biofuels could also be used. He cited ethanol blends including E5, E10, E20 and E50 as potential options for two-wheelers.

"There is more than one mobility solution; we call it multi-technology. There are ICE engines that are continually becoming more fuel-efficient, which we call fuel efficiency technology. Then, number two, technologies like biofuels. If there's E5, E10, E20, or E50 ethanol, that will eventually be the case, and it will also complement them," Yosef said in Jakarta last week.

AISI also includes battery-powered electric two-wheelers in its proposed approach to two-wheeler development. Manufacturers will need to adapt EV technology to meet consumer requirements. However, Yosef said electric two-wheelers currently account for around 1 to 2% of the market.

"Currently, EVs probably only contribute around 1 to 2%. But we're confident this segment will continue to grow as it reaches consumers' mobility solutions," he said.

AISI's approach covers different two-wheeler technologies and energy sources, including ICEs, biofuels and battery-powered electric vehicles, based on Indonesian consumers' daily mobility requirements.

Honda and Suzuki two-wheelers compatible with E10

Although Yosef did not identify the manufacturers preparing two-wheelers for higher ethanol blends, Honda and Suzuki have stated that their products in Indonesia are compatible with petrol containing up to 10% ethanol (E10).

Astra Honda Motor (AHM) has previously stated that all its latest two-wheeler models sold in Indonesia can use E10 without requiring engine modifications. Suzuki Indomobil Sales (SIS), meanwhile, has said that two-wheelers offered in the country can use fuel containing up to 10% ethanol. Yamaha has not clarified whether all its two-wheelers marketed in Indonesia are compatible with bioethanol-blended petrol.

The government is yet to disclose the technical requirements and implementation schedules for the E20-E50 petrol programme. Details regarding the continuation of the B50 biodiesel programme have also not been fully outlined.

During the meeting with the President, Bahlil provided updates on developments across several sectors, including state-owned enterprises, agriculture, fisheries and energy. Discussions concerning the energy sector included preparations for higher ethanol blending in petrol and the continuation of the B50 programme.