Climate Action talked with Paulus Tjakrawan Taningdjaja, Vice Chairperson of the Indonesian Biofuels Producers Association (IBPA) - Strategic Partner at the 8th Sustainable Innovation Forum.

1. Indonesia Biofuels Producer Association was established in 2006 and comprises of 23 companies. Do you want to say a few words about the organisation?

In 2005, the first companies to produce both bioethanol were established in Indonesia, with the main aim to support the Government to promote the use of biofuels as a renewable energy. In order to make the support more effective, we formed the Indonesia Biofuels Producer Association/APROBI in late 2006. Since then, for 11 years, APROBI has collaborated with the government and other stakeholders including the Car Manufacturers Association, universities, research institutes, and the agricultural sector to pursue the deployment of biofuels both in Indonesia and worldwide.

2. What have you achieved so far?

Indonesia has successfully made B20 (biodiesel 20% blending in diesel fuel) mandatory for the public sector since 2015 through the Public Service Obligation. In 2020, it will be increased to B30. This is the highest mandatory biodiesel blending percentage in the world so far. Last year alone, Indonesia consumed 3 million kilolitres of biodiesel.

3. How do you think biofuels can contribute to the transformation of the transport system?

Biofuels programmes in Indonesia have the full support of the Car Manufacturers Association. Car manufacturers have embraced the B20 regulation, and actively try to adapt their engines to be able to use biofuels. In 2016 alone, the use of biofuels in Indonesia prevented the emission of around 8 million tonnes of CO2.

4. According to your experience, what is the most important challenge biofuels currently face?

After more than 10 years of experience, I would say that price is the biggest challenge. But since 2015, we found a system and mechanism to overcome these challenges. In addition, we are working to overcome the issues with the EU and US concerning biodiesel trade barriers.

5. This year, you are sponsoring the 8th Sustainable Innovation Forum as a strategic partner. Why did you decide to get involved?

Firstly, we wanted to share our knowledge on how our Biofuels Program has successfully supported Indonesia to take climate action and reduce its national greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, we wanted to network with international business actors and exchange insights on how to promote biofuels further as a sustainable source of energy with great potential.

 

Paulus Tjakrawan Taningdjaja will participate in the Roadmap to a Sustainable Global Mobility System discussion panel on the first day of the 8th Sustainable Development Forum.