Pertamina New & Renewable Energy (Pertamina NRE) has officially solidified its commitment to advancing bioethanol development in Indonesia. On Friday, March 27, 2026, Pertamina NRE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the US Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC), establishing a strategic collaboration focused on joint studies, comprehensive knowledge exchange, and robust capacity building initiatives.
The USGBC, an influential international non-profit organization, plays a pivotal role in the global agricultural sector. It represents a broad spectrum of grain producers and stakeholders within the agricultural-based bioproducts industry. Dedicated to fostering market development, the USGBC achieves its mission through targeted education, proactive advocacy, and the facilitation of vital cooperation and knowledge exchange. Its comprehensive efforts include providing crucial technical assistance, delivering specialized training, and promoting best practices to ensure the sustainable utilization of bio-based products worldwide.
This landmark partnership is strategically designed to bolster national capabilities through deep knowledge exchange, significant capacity enhancement, and the adoption of cutting-edge global best practices. These efforts are all geared towards accelerating the development of Indonesia’s domestic bioethanol ecosystem. A key objective includes exploring and supporting the potential implementation of E10 ethanol blended fuel across the nation, marking a significant step towards a greener energy future.
Oki Muraza, Deputy CEO of PT Pertamina (Persero), underscored the profound importance of this collaboration. He emphasized that the initiative is integral to strengthening national capabilities by drawing upon global insights and expertise. Muraza eloquently described bioethanol as a crucial convergence point, uniquely positioning Indonesia to simultaneously achieve both energy security and environmental sustainability.
“Through this cooperation, we aim to gain deeper insights from international experiences and best practices, particularly in the development of the bioethanol ecosystem,” Muraza stated. He further elaborated on specific areas of focus, including “the diversification of raw materials, the establishment of robust regulatory frameworks, and the effective application of domestic ethanol blended fuels.”
The scope of this comprehensive cooperation outlines a series of joint explorations and studies dedicated to strengthening Indonesia’s bioethanol supply chain and infrastructure. This includes a thorough examination of technical, commercial, and regulatory readiness aspects. Beyond these studies, the collaboration also encompasses the implementation of specialized technical training programs, the facilitation of expert exchanges, and the organization of impactful discussion forums and workshops to widely share global best practices.
John Anis, CEO of Pertamina NRE, highlighted that this partnership aligns seamlessly with the company’s core commitment to accelerating the energy transition through strategic, knowledge-driven collaborations. For Pertamina NRE, this collaboration represents a vital platform for significantly enhancing both technical and institutional capabilities through a well-structured and comprehensive knowledge exchange framework.
“By prioritizing joint studies, training initiatives, and the exchange of expertise, we are optimistic that we can expedite the development of an adaptive and sustainable bioethanol ecosystem in Indonesia,” Anis affirmed, emphasizing the collaborative path forward.
Furthermore, this strategic alliance is set to drive the development of domestic capacity by encouraging the adoption of advanced technologies, optimizing operational efficiencies, and deepening understanding of production management and the crucial diversification of bioethanol raw materials. These elements are vital for building a resilient and self-sufficient bioethanol industry.
Concurrently, both parties will actively facilitate dialogue and knowledge exchange pertaining to critical areas such as market development, robust sustainability frameworks, and effective public communication strategies. These discussions are essential for garnering widespread support and ensuring the successful implementation of ethanol-blended fuels in the Indonesian market.
Mark Wilson, Chairman of USGBC, underscored the partnership’s focus on tangible action. He emphasized that the collaboration is driven by a commitment to practical outcomes through vibrant knowledge exchange and the strengthening of system readiness. Wilson further clarified that this MoU transcends a mere formal agreement; it serves as a dynamic implementation platform, poised to deliver concrete progress.
“Through this partnership, our focus will be on the critical exchange of knowledge in ethanol production and supply chain management, the reinforcement of technical aspects and market development strategies, and ultimately, supporting Indonesia’s readiness in advancing ethanol-based fuels,” Wilson articulated, outlining the strategic priorities.
The signing of this pivotal MoU unequivocally reaffirms the shared commitment of Pertamina NRE and USGBC to intensify collaboration built upon knowledge exchange, robust capacity building, and the seamless adoption of global best practices. This powerful synergy is expected to yield tangible contributions, significantly supporting the development of a resilient and sustainable bioethanol ecosystem and substantially bolstering Indonesia’s energy transition efforts.