Exploring sago potential in Meranti Islands Regency: A comprehensive analysis for sustainable bioethanol production in Indonesia

This title will be presented on Friday, December 15, 2023 at 10.35-10.45 GMT+7

Abstract

This title will be presented on Friday, December 15, 2023 at 10.35-10.45 GMT+7

The increase in population has an impact on the high demand for oil, such as gasoline, where Indonesia still relies on imports to meet this need. The use of fossil fuel-derived oil contributes to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, while Indonesia is committed to reduce its greenhouse (GHG) gas emissions target unconditionally to 29% and conditionally (with international support) to 40% by 2030. The bioethanol program has gained attention again following the issuance of Presidential Regulation No. 40 of 2023 on the acceleration of national sugar self-sufficiency and the use of bioethanol as biofuel. Bioethanol is produced through the fermentation of sugar from carbohydrate sources using the help of microorganisms. Sago, a carbohydrate-producing plant, is underutilized and has significant potential for development as a bioethanol raw material. The highest sago production in Indonesia is in the Meranti Islands Regency. Land cover mapping reveals a sago land availability of 83,164.82 hectares, with the potential for extracted starch to yield 8 tons/ha or approximately 4.7 kiloliters of ethanol per hectare using an environmentally friendly dry extraction system. Thus, sago plants have the potential to serve as raw material and a source of energy for sustainable bioethanol production, supporting Indonesia's bioethanol program and greenhouse gas emission reduction mitigation.