Jakarta. As debates flare up over the ethanol content in Pertamina’s fuel, the Indonesian Oil and Gas Companies Association (Aspermigas) reminded consumers that such fuel blends are safe, legal, and widely used in many developed economies.

Aspermigas chairman Moshe Rizal said the ethanol content in Pertamina’s fuel remains within the government’s limit of 30 percent and poses no safety risk. “People have different preferences -- some notice changes in engine performance, others don’t,” Moshe said on Monday.

On the question of which fuel type is better, Moshe said it ultimately depends on consumer preference and vehicle type. Ethanol is widely believed to help reduce vehicle emissions, but the broader bioenergy practice has sparked global debates over sustainability.

“Some say ethanol helps lower emissions, which is true. But if we look at the production side, some argue that biofuel actually carries a higher carbon footprint,” Moshe explained.

Opinions among consumers are also divided. Some drivers claim that ethanol-blended fuel makes engines less efficient because ethanol absorbs more moisture, while others say it causes no significant issues to engine performance.

Moshe emphasized that the real problem behind private fuel retailers’ supply challenges lies not in ethanol quality but in rigid import permits and inflexible fuel quotas. “This isn’t about quality, it’s about preference and policy. The government should focus on improving supply flexibility instead,” he said.

He warned that revising ethanol regulations could discourage investment and force private gas stations to change their established fuel specifications. “We shouldn’t rush into new rules just to respond to noise,” Moshe added.

Ethanol-blended fuel has long been used in advanced economies such as the United States, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, and across the European Union. “It’s unfair to say Pertamina’s fuel is inferior. It’s simply a matter of consumer preference. I personally refuel at Pertamina more often than not,” Moshe said.

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