Jakarta, INTI - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is developing an industrial additive called xanthan gum to improve efficiency in oil and gas (O&G) production and support national energy independence.
BRIN Head Arif Satria presented the development during the BRIN Goes To Industry III event in Jakarta on Thursday, stating that the initiative aims to replace imported products currently used in the sector.
He emphasized that Indonesia’s daily oil consumption, which reaches around 1.6 million barrels, requires strong domestic innovation to reduce reliance on imports. BRIN has already mastered the production process of xanthan gum independently, creating potential for industrial-scale development.
“We do not want BRIN research to remain purely theoretical or disconnected from industry needs. That is what we are trying to avoid,” he said.
In the energy sector, xanthan gum serves as a drilling additive that helps maintain fluid stability, prevents pipeline blockages, and improves drilling efficiency.
From Laboratory Research to Industrial Application
The xanthan gum product developed by BRIN comes in a stable cream-to-brown powder form that is safe and easy to apply across various production processes. With its strong rheological properties, the innovation opens opportunities for collaboration between research institutions and industry players to strengthen the national supply chain.
BRIN hopes the research will not stop at the laboratory stage, but can be commercialized and widely adopted by the energy industry.
Conclusion
BRIN’s development of xanthan gum represents a strategic step toward strengthening Indonesia’s energy independence by reducing reliance on imported industrial additives. With proven functionality in improving drilling efficiency and strong potential for industrial-scale adoption, this innovation highlights the importance of aligning research outcomes with real industry needs to support a more resilient national energy sector.
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