25/05/2011 (Tempo Interactive) - The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry continues to develop bio-energy in Indonesia. Bio-energy utilization will not only increase national energy resilience, but also provide cleaner energy.

This was mentioned by the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry’s new and renewable energy and energy conservation director general Luluk Sumiarso, in Jakarta yesterday. Luluk said that bio-energy development was part of the Energy Ministry’s effort to achieve 25% renewable energy diffusion by 2025.

The government expects to synchronize the authority holders in the sector. The bio-energy program, particularly bio-fuels, was launched by the government in 2006.

“Although the policy has been applied since 2008 and many regulations have been issued to accelerate and provide bio-fuel, bio-fuel development is still far from the expectation,” said Luluk.

Indonesia has rich bio-fuel potential. Bio-energy potential from bio-mass waste alone is estimated to reach 49.810 megawatts. However, only 3.25% or 1.600 megawatts can be utilized. “That is why bio-energy development is one of the main agendas for developing new and renewable energy in Indonesia,” said Luluk.

As the world’s biggest palm oil producer, Indonesia could also become the biggest bio-diesel producer. At present, Indonesia has a 3.9-million kiloliter bio-diesel capacity per year. There is also bio-gas potential from various organic waste. If the potential is maximized, Indonesia is predicted to be able to save 700,000 tons of LPG or the equivalent of 900 million liters of oil.