Sugar palm unlocks bioethanol potential in East Kalimantan

Samarinda (ANTARA) - The East Kalimantan Forestry Office is intensifying efforts to optimize the use of non-timber forest products, including sugar palm, as they offer opportunities to develop renewable bioethanol energy in Paser District.

"The enormous potential for utilizing sugar palm sap not only impacts the community's economic resilience but also promises bright prospects as a raw material for bioethanol, a future energy alternative," said Rusmadi, Acting Head of the East Kalimantan Forestry Office, in Samarinda on Friday.

He explained that the Paser District, with its 380,045 hectares of forest, possesses diverse natural resources, with the sugar palm proven to thrive in various land areas.

To maximize the potential, the local government continues to encourage communities surrounding conservation areas to convert unproductive land into high-value cultivation centers.

"We continue to provide technical assistance to farmers so they have the necessary skills in nursery development, planting, and optimal harvest processing," Rusmadi said.

Based on field calculations, a single sugar palm tree at its productive age can produce ten liters of sap per day, which can be sold for Rp10,000 per liter.

Rusmadi explained that if a member of a farmer group were able to manage eighteen trees simultaneously, the potential income could reach Rp1.8 million per day.

"The sap production is being integrated with advanced processing technology to improve community welfare along with the realization of clean energy independence in the region," he emphasized.

In addition to the sap, physical parts of the tree, such as the sugar palm fruit, leaves, and roots, can be processed into snacks, medicines, and raw materials for furniture.

Rusmadi explained that the diversification of processed products proves that sugar palm development aligns with nature conservation principles while also supporting the economy of rural communities surrounding the forest.

"The enthusiasm of local farmers is now clearly visible through their participation in the social forestry technical guidance organized by the regional technical implementation unit of the Telake Production Forest Management Unit," he added.

The sustainable empowerment step is expected to create resilient entrepreneurs who consistently maintain forest sustainability, while also being able to achieve financial independence from local superior commodities.

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Translator: Ahmad Rifandi, Cindy Frishanti Octavia

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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