Turning Rice Fields into Energy Sources to Improve Farmers’ Livelihoods

JAKARTA – Efforts to find renewable energy sources continue to grow in Indonesia. One initiative that has recently attracted attention is Bobibos, an alternative fuel derived from rice straw. Straw, which has long been regarded as post-harvest waste and is often burned in fields, is now being proposed as a new source of energy.

Green Merah Putih initiator Fauzan Rachmansyah views the efforts of Indonesian society in developing renewable energy as a positive step, particularly through innovations such as Bobibos.

“Turning straw into renewable energy has a very positive impact,” Fauzan told reporters on Monday (December 15, 2025).

“People will be more motivated to plant rice—the rice can be sold as grain, while the straw, which farmers previously did not know how to utilize, can now generate significant added value,” he added.

However, Fauzan noted that some farmers already use straw as cattle feed. If managed properly, this approach has the potential to reduce air pollution, increase the economic value of agricultural waste, and create new job opportunities in rural areas.

From a policy perspective, Fauzan said the administration of President Prabowo Subianto has shown considerable attention to environmental and sustainability issues. Policies that place sustainability as a key agenda create opportunities for research and innovation in alternative energy.

“The more parties involved in research and solution-seeking, the greater Indonesia’s chances of finding solutions to its energy and environmental challenges,” he said.

Echoing Fauzan’s view, automotive observer Bebin Juana stated that the energy transition is a strategic necessity. However, he emphasized that the success of alternative energy sources cannot be determined solely by popularity or trial projects, but rather by economic scalability, raw material supply, and the ability to meet national demand.

“Oil will inevitably run out. But finding a replacement cannot be driven by trends alone. Alternative energy must be economically viable, capable of mass production, and not place a burden on consumers,” Bebin said.

He cited Brazil as an example of successful renewable energy adoption due to its surplus sugarcane supply and consistent government policies. Bebin believes Bobibos, which is based on rice straw, has potential in that direction.

“Conceptually, there is potential because straw is agricultural waste. However, we do not yet know whether the volume is sufficient for national needs or whether supply can be maintained consistently. What matters most is consistent quality and volume,” he explained.

Straw is an agricultural residue that has traditionally had low economic value. If it can be processed into fuel, production costs can be reduced while adding value to the agricultural sector. Indonesia has approximately 11 million hectares of rice fields spread from Sabang to Merauke, making straw more readily available than alternative sources such as sugar palm or palm oil.

Additionally, Bebin noted that sugar palm–based fuels face limitations in terms of volume and supply continuity. National energy demand, he said, is not limited to land transportation but also includes fisheries, logistics, and industrial sectors.

“How much sugar palm do we actually have in Indonesia? Fuel demand is enormous—not just for land vehicles, but also for fishing vessels. Yet people on social media often compare these issues too simplistically, when in reality the situation is far more complex,” he said.

Regarding biodiesel, Bebin acknowledged that Indonesia has a surplus of palm oil, making biodiesel production logical. However, he warned that caution is necessary, as no automobile manufacturer is fully ready to accommodate B35 fuel.

“When the blending percentage is raised too high, it becomes risky. No car brand is fully prepared to accept B35. We must be careful so consumers are not disadvantaged. There are also political elements involved in refinery management and fuel quality, which still lags behind other countries,” he concluded.