ANALYSIS OF THE TRANSITION TO PALM-BASED BIOFUEL ON THE INDONESIAN MILITARY’S ENERGY SECURITY

Indonesia’s petroleum oil production faces depletion in less than a decade, threatening its energy security. Furthermore, Indonesia, as the world’s largest palm oil producer, also faces the inevitable effects of climate change, which complicate the country’s decision to rely more heavily on palm-based biofuel. Despite its abundant palm oil reserves, Indonesia’s 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, which might better serve the Indonesian military’s fuel needs. The research finds that Indonesia’s 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 Indonesia’s armed forces. Eventually, Indonesia will need to establish a new sustainable biofuel program to guarantee its military’s energy supply.Outstanding ThesisMayor, Indonesian Air ForceApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited