Bobibos: A National Innovation of Biofuel from Rice Straw

Amid Indonesia's dependence on fossil fuel imports, a fresh breakthrough has emerged from Bogor, West Java. In early November 2025, Bobibos—an acronym for Bahan Bakar Original Buatan Indonesia (Original Fuel Made in Indonesia)—was officially launched as an environmentally friendly biofuel. The result of a decade-long independent research by founder M. Ikhlas Thamrin and his team, Bobibos promises a cheap, efficient, and sustainable energy solution, directly from abundant agricultural waste.

What is Bobibos?

Bobibos is a plant-based biofuel processed from rice straw and other agricultural waste, such as plant residues that are usually burned by farmers. The production process involves five stages of processing to produce high-quality fuel, without the need to plant special crops that would interfere with food security. This innovation was born from Ikhlas Thamrin's concern about energy imports reaching billions of dollars, while also turning waste into a valuable asset.

The product comes in two main variants:

• Bobibos Putih (White): For gasoline engines, with a Research Octane Number (RON) reaching 98.1—equivalent to premium fuels like Pertamax Turbo.

• Bobibos Merah (Red): For diesel engines, claimed to be more economical and able to travel a longer distance than conventional diesel.

The Stirring Advantages

Bobibos is not just ordinary fuel; it's designed for a green future. Here are its interesting facts:

• Eco-friendly: It has near-zero emissions and perfect combustion without black smoke or a pungent smell. It's suitable for reducing pollution from post-harvest straw burning.

• Affordable Price: It is claimed to be only one-third the price of comparable Pertamina fuel (RON 98), making it accessible to farmers, fishermen, and public transportation.

• High Efficiency: Trials in Subang, West Java, showed that tractors and vehicles like the Fortuner and Alphard ran smoothly without engine modifications.

• Official Certification: It has passed tests from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, receiving praise from officials like the Director General of Oil and Gas, Laode Sulaeman.

The launch in Bumi Sultan Jonggol, Bogor Regency, was witnessed by DPR RI member Mulyadi, who is optimistic that this innovation can boost national energy independence. Furthermore, PT Primajasa Perdanaraya Utama is ready to use Bobibos for its bus fleet in the Jabodetabek area.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Although it has gone viral on social media, Bobibos is still in its early stages. Mass production is planned to begin in February 2026, with priority given to farmers and fishermen. The government emphasizes further testing to ensure it is safe and economical. For Ikhlas, Bobibos is proof that "this nation is capable of standing on its own feet through science."

With its potential to turn waste into green energy, Bobibos could be a game-changer in the global transition to biofuels. Interested in trying it? Monitor updates from PT Inti Sinergi Formula—who knows, Indonesia's future fuel might be born from the nearest rice field straw!