Since November 2025, social media and the Indonesian public have been buzzing about the newly launched fuel called Bobibos.

This unique name is short for Bahan Bakar Original Buatan Indonesia Bos (lit. Original Fuel Made in Indonesia, Boss!). Bobibos is an energy innovation that claims to be entirely plant-based and boasts a high octane rating of RON 98, equivalent to Pertamax Turbo.

While it was officially introduced on November 2, 2025, Bobibos is currently not readily available. The inventor, Muhammad Ikhlas, explained on his Instagram account that Bobibos is still in the final stages of development before full-scale manufacturing, and that a pilot manufacturing facility is currently under construction in West Java.

He said that in the future, the public will have the opportunity to become authorized distributors, although the scheme cannot be published yet. So, what’s the big deal about Bobibos? And what are its advantages? Let’s find out.

High Performance and More Fuel-Efficient, as Claimed

Bobibos is available in two main variants: petrol and diesel. Both variants are made from locally sourced plants, and they are claimed to offer several advantages, including:

• Low Fuel Consumption
• Very low emissions
• Optimal engine performance
• More environmentally friendly

The thing about Bobibos that caught the most attention is probably its price, which is said to be as low as IDR 4,000/liter.

It has also been tested on various vehicles, including Honda Beat, Toyota Alphard, Nissan Navara (diesel), and even rice field plowing machines. Preliminary testing shows the engine is running well and producing no visible smoke.

So, it’s no surprise that Bobibos has gone viral. Claims of low prices, high performance, and locally sourced materials bring new hope for Indonesia’s energy independence.

Certification and Technical Testing are Still Required

Though promising, Bobibos is yet to be officially certified. According to an expert from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of Universitas Negeri Surabaya, biofuels and fossil fuels have different chemical properties. For example, high oxygen content in biofuels can have an impact on:

• The car’s combustion system
• The risk of corrosion
• The elasticity of rubber/plastic materials in the fuel system

Therefore, Bobibos still needs comprehensive tests for its fuel stability, emissions, engine safety, and long-term effects.

Nevertheless, the Director General of Oil and Gas at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Laode Sulaeman, praised Bobibos’ innovation, while emphasizing that it usually takes at least eight months for new fuels to obtain approval. Currently, the results of Bobibos’ laboratory tests are still pending.

Field Test Results: Better Engine Response

Last November, a national automotive media outlet tested Bobibos in a Daihatsu Sigra, covering 60 km. The fuel tank was drained before being refilled with Bobibos.

The results were quite a surprise. The engine was more responsive, the acceleration felt lighter, and there was no knocking.

An experiment on a diesel truck yielded similar results, with almost no black smoke produced. If these results remain consistent, Bobibos can become an environmentally friendly and efficient alternative.

Impacts on the Transportation and Logistics Industry

If Bobibos proves feasible and becomes widely available, the following sectors can reduce their fuel costs.

• Freight transportation
• Shipping and delivery
• Industrial logistics
• Supply chain transportation

Affordable, high-quality fuel can reduce operating costs and increase national competitiveness.

Understandably, Bobibos is the most anticipated Indonesian-made innovative fuel. If it clears all the tests and is mass-produced, Bobibos can be a big leap towards energy security and transportation cost efficiency in Indonesia.

As a major player in transportation and logistics in the country, PT Serasi Autoraya (SERA) will keep innovating by providing comprehensive solutions through vehicle rental services (TRAC), auction (IBID), and logistics (SELOG).

For more information on SERA, visit www.sera.astra.co.id and follow us on Instagram @serasiautoraya and LinkedIn Serasi Autoraya for information about career tips and latest job opportunities.