Jakarta, INTI - National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is developing innovations that utilize forest biomass as a source of biofuel to help reduce Indonesia’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. One of the key commodities under study is the nyamplung tree (Calophyllum inophyllum), a native Indonesian species considered a promising source of bioenergy derived from forest resources.
Nyamplung Identified as a Promising Biofuel Feedstock
BRIN’s research covers several aspects, including seed development, intensive silviculture techniques, and tree breeding aimed at increasing seed productivity. The research also focuses on improving oil yield and developing processing technologies to convert crude oil into biofuel that meets both technical and economic standards as an alternative to conventional fuel.
According to Budi Leksono, a researcher at BRIN’s Center for Applied Botany Research, nyamplung oil, also known as Tamanu Crude Oil (TCO), holds significant potential to be processed into environmentally friendly fuels such as biokerosene, biodiesel, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Sustainable Biomass Utilization Beyond Energy
Budi emphasized that this approach is not intended to exploit forests, but rather to optimize biomass through science-based sustainable forest management systems. In addition to its high potential as a non-edible biofuel feedstock and its ability to produce fruit throughout the year, by-products from the nyamplung biofuel industry, such as fruit shells, seed cake, resin or gum, and glycerol, can also be processed into high-value products. These include activated charcoal, high-calorie fuel pellets, high-protein animal feed, herbal pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, as well as herbal soap.
BRIN also encourages research outcomes to move beyond laboratory-scale studies and connect directly with policy frameworks and industry needs. Budi explained that biomass conversion technologies have been widely studied and proven technically viable, but the key challenge lies in accelerating commercialization and ensuring consistent policy support.
Strengthening Indonesia’s Renewable Energy Strategy
In the context of reducing fuel imports and strengthening Indonesia’s national energy mix, Budi noted that forest biomass innovation is strategically important. It leverages abundant domestic resources, creates economic value within the country, supports carbon emission reduction and the clean energy transition, and strengthens energy security based on biological resources.
He added that Indonesia possesses enormous renewable energy potential derived from its tropical forest resources. According to him, the country does not lack energy resources but has yet to fully optimize forest biomass as a renewable energy source.
The development of forest biomass into biofuel is part of BRIN’s broader research and innovation agenda in the field of new and renewable energy. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the institution is working on innovations across the entire value chain, from cultivating bioenergy-producing plants and optimizing productivity to engineering efficient and environmentally friendly fuel conversion processes.
Indonesia’s ongoing energy transition also presents an important opportunity to position forest-based biofuels as part of the country’s national energy roadmap. Through integrated research and collaboration among research institutions, government, and industry, BRIN aims to deliver sustainable energy solutions based on Indonesia’s biological advantages.
Budi concluded that energy independence is both realistic and inevitable. Indonesia already has sufficient natural resources and scientific capacity; what is needed is consistent research, innovation, and policy synergy. Such progress could also open opportunities for Indonesia to become an energy exporter once again, shifting from exporting fossil fuels in the past to exporting biofuels in the future.
Conclusion
Overall, the development of nyamplung-based biofuel demonstrates how Indonesia can harness its rich forest resources to support the transition toward renewable energy. By integrating research, industry collaboration, and supportive policies, the initiative could help strengthen national energy security while positioning Indonesia as a future producer of sustainable biofuels.
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