Day 1 – Sugar & Ethanol Asia 2026Wednesday, 16 September 2026

Indonesia has introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework to support the implementation of its mandatory bioethanol blending program. This includes regulations governing production, utilization, and the phased implementation of blending targets, supported by a national roadmap and recent excise policy reforms. By mid-2026, Indonesia is expected to begin implementing the E5 blending mandate. However, the pathway is not without challenges. Domestic production capacity remains limited, while the primary feedstock, molasses, continues to be freely traded, creating competition between food and fuel applications. Alternative non-food feedstocks, particularly through 1.5G bioethanol technology, have emerged as a promising solution to address these constraints. These critical issues will form the core of this session. At the same time, there is a growing urgency to accelerate implementation in response to volatile global oil prices driven by geopolitical developments, while advancing Indonesia's strategic objective of strengthening energy security and reducing dependence on imported fuels. Fluctuating project economics also remain a key consideration. As investor interest continues to grow, how can investment risks be effectively mitigated, and what strategies will be critical for success in Indonesia's emerging bioethanol market?