Analysis of the Transition to Palm-Based Biofuel on the Indonesian Militarys Energy Security
Abstract
Indonesias petroleum oil production faces depletion within less than a decade, threatening its energy security. Further, Indonesia, as the worlds largest palm oil producer, also faces the inevitable effects of climate change, which complicate the countrys decision to rely more heavily on palm-based biofuel. Despite its abundant palm oil reserves, Indonesias military faces a trilemma of energy security, operational readiness, and essential forces. This thesis qualitatively explores the expanded production and use of biofuel to address the effect of a potential fuel shortage on the Indonesian military. In addition, this study evaluates other renewable sources, such as jatropha and molasses, that might better serve the Indonesian militarys fuel needs. The research finds that Indonesias indigenous palm-based biofuel provides fuel supply redundancy for the military, whereas various economic factors hinder the other renewable sources serving as the primary source for biofuel. Based on this research, this thesis offers top-down recommendations for the government and military of Indonesia to address the potential cascading consequences of energy insecurity confronting Indonesias armed forces. Eventually, Indonesia will need to establish a new sustainable biofuel program to guarantee its militarys energy supply
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1164936
Entities
People
- Galih Kusumayuda
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School