Jatropha Faces Lack of Promotion

According to The Jakarta Post, Erliza Hambali, director of the Surfactant and Bioenergy Research Center (SBRC) at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) said the development of jatropha was still well below target levels.

"The National Biofuel Team is aiming for 1.5 million hectares of jatropha plantations by 2010. However, as of April this year, we have only achieved 8 percent of that number, or about 121,200 hectares," she said.

"Many farmers, businessmen and bankers doubt its feasibility as a biofuel. In addition, there is a limited supply of land for growing jatropha."

Erliza said lack of government support for the project was also to blame.

"A presidential decree was issued in 2006 promoting the development of biofuels," she said.

"The implementation of the decree, however, is still lacking. The government should actively encourage people to plant jatropha trees across the country."

Roy Hendroko, a biofuel expert at PT Sinarmas Energy Alternative, expressed similar sentiments.

"The government has failed to support the development of jatropha as biofuel. It also has yet to focus research on developing the best seeds for farmers," he said.

Herry Suhardiyanto, IPB rector, said a comprehensive farming, research and distribution network was needed to properly develop the biofuel as a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

"Indonesia has much potential, such as available land and competent researchers," he said.

"Research centers in universities, government bodies and other institutions should cooperate and share the results of their studies so the development of jatropha fuel can be accelerated."

However, Tangkas Pandjaitan, the Agriculture Ministry's official in charge of land management, said the government would not subsidize jatropha farmers.

View the Jakarta Post story by clicking here.

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