Indonesia is gearing up to launch its E10 ethanol-blended fuel policy by 2027–2028, requiring at least 1 million hectares of sugarcane plantations to meet domestic ethanol demand. Chief Food Affairs Minister of Indonesia, Zulkifli Hasan, highlighted that this expansion could yield up to 80 million tons of sugarcane annually, supporting local farmers. Ethanol, sourced from sugarcane, cassava, and sweet potatoes, is central to Indonesia’s renewable energy strategy. A major processing plant in Merauke, South Papua, part of a 2-million-hectare National Strategic Project, is expected to produce up to 300,000 kiloliters of ethanol yearly once completed in 2027. The E10 initiative complements Indonesia’s broader biofuel agenda, including the B40 biodiesel program, which blends 40% palm oil into diesel and is set to increase to B45 or B50 by 2026. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia emphasized the environmental and economic benefits of reducing fuel imports. Meanwhile, Indonesia's Agriculture Minister, Andi Amran Sulaiman, announced import restrictions on cassava and ethanol to protect domestic producers, allowing imports only when local supply is insufficient, in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to prioritize local farmers.Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/business/indonesia-needs-1m-hectare-of-sugarcane-for-e10-fuel-drive (ICE GIACARTA)

Fonte notizia: Jakarta Globe, 21 October 2025