Indonesia eyes coal liquefaction to boost energy security

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia is preparing to turn its vast coal reserves into gasoline to boost national energy self-sufficiency, with Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Bahlil Lahadalia confirming readiness to carry out President Prabowo's directive to start coal-to-fuel production.

Speaking on the sidelines of a ministry event in Jakarta on Monday, Bahlil stated that the directive will be followed up by optimizing all potential domestic energy sources.

"We will follow up on every order and directive from the President regarding optimization efforts to enhance energy security by utilizing domestic energy sources," Bahlil said.

He explained that the President's instruction to produce gas and oil from coal stems from growing concerns over global geopolitical uncertainty.

Advancements in technology, he added, have made it possible to utilize low-calorie coal to generate alternative fuels.

"Technology has advanced to the point where low-calorie coal can be used to produce gas or oil," the minister noted.

The ministry’s Director General of Minerals and Coal Tri Winarno highlighted that coal liquefaction—commonly known as coal-to-liquid (CTL) technology—is already established globally.

He cited East Germany's historic use of CTL to fuel tanks and South Africa's ongoing operations through Sasol, which yields approximately 300,000 barrels per day.

"So, the practice (of liquefying coal into gasoline) certainly exists," Tri said, adding that the ministry is currently evaluating technological partnerships and assessing the potential of Indonesia's coal reserves.

Earlier, President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that food and energy self-sufficiency are vital for building a self-reliant nation.

Addressing an audience at the Gontor Islamic boarding school in Ponorogo, East Java, last weekend, Prabowo highlighted Indonesia's success in developing palm-based biodiesel as a benchmark for coal conversion.

"We have successfully produced diesel from palm oil and are capable of producing gasoline from palm oil. We will also produce gasoline from coal,” he stated.

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Translator: Putu Indah Savitri, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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