More Than Just Fuel: Ethanol as the Key to Indonesia’s Food Policy and Energy Security

The use of ethanol in fuel is currently under sharp focus in Indonesia. This is not merely a technical matter of boosting octane levels; it is the core of a paradigm shift connecting the agricultural sector, energy, and national climate policy.

According to energy expert and Permanent Professor at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Indonesia, Prof. Andy N. Sommeng, ethanol symbolizes how a nation views energy security and food sovereignty.

Ethanol as a Geopolitical Instrument

Prof. Andy N. Sommeng explains that on the global stage, bioethanol has become a strategic instrument and a point of national pride:

• Brazil: The classic example. Stemming from the 1970s oil crisis, Brazil utilized sugarcane to produce ethanol on a massive scale. Today, flexible-fuel vehicles powered by biofuels are a source of national pride and a tool for energy diplomacy.

• United States: Corn-based ethanol became a national standard (E10) not just for technical reasons, but due to the synergy between energy politics, food policy, and the agricultural lobbies of corn-producing states.

• Asia: Countries like India, China, Thailand, and the Philippines view ethanol as a strategic tool to reduce oil imports while absorbing domestic agricultural surpluses.

Indonesia’s Position: Learning from Biodiesel

Regarding Indonesia, Prof. Andy notes that the bioethanol program was previously tested through the launch of Pertamax E5–E10, but was halted due to raw material supply constraints.

“Plant-based renewable energy in this country has actually advanced faster in the biodiesel track than in bioethanol,” Andy remarked.

This fact demonstrates that a nation’s energy choices are not determined by technology alone, but also by feedstock availability, infrastructure, and policy consistency.

Andy emphasized that behind every ethanol blending figure (E3, E5, E10, E85, etc.) lies a narrative of how a nation treats its farmers, addresses climate issues, and builds energy resilience.

Citing the German philosopher Heidegger, Andy concluded that ethanol is how nations “reveal their world.” Brazil reveals a world of sugarcane, America a world of corn, and Indonesia a world of palm oil.