Biomass is a potential renewable resource to produce energy and bio-products in Indonesia. Through appropriate conversion technology,  biomass can be converted into bio-ethanol products that can replace gasoline. It was stated by Researcher  of Research Center for Biomaterials, Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Euis Hermiati during the Inauguration of Research Professors at the LIPI Auditorium in Jakarta on Wednesday (4/11).

“The major challenges faced in the application  of biomass conversion technology to produce bioethanol and bio-products are readiness of technology  at the commercial and economic scale of the products produced. Therefore, the development of biomass conversion technology  to be  bioethanol and bio-products needs to be done continuously  in order to obtain technology that can produce economic products and it  can compete with commercial products from fossil / Synergy between research institutions / universities and related ministries and industries in research and development activities of biomass conversion that needs to be strengthened.” Euis said. 

Moreover, Euis Hermiati also explained that the technology also contributes to the effort of applying the concept of biological refineries to produce more economical bioethanol and bio-products as a substitute for refine fuel oil (BBM) and product from fossil. The successful development of the technology also supports the Indonesian government's efforts to meet the target of 23 percent use of renewable energy by 2025. (VOI/AF)