Dugaan BBM Oplosan, Beda Pendapat Kejagung & Pertamina, Apa Kata Ahli ITB? | SEDANG VIRAL

Summary

This video discusses the ongoing controversy surrounding Pertamina and the alleged practice of blending fuel to alter its octane rating, a process commonly referred to as 'Oplosan.' Gracia Ben interviews energy conversion expert, Tri Yuswi Jayanto Zainuri, from ITB, who explains that fuel blending is a standard process in the industry and not necessarily illegal. While Pertamina denies engaging in fraudulent practices, Zainuri highlights that the real concern lies in the procurement and potential corruption within fuel acquisition. The conversation delves into the technical details of fuel production, additives, and the legal aspects of blending, offering a clearer understanding of the issue.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fuel blending (or Oplosan) refers to mixing different fuel types to achieve desired octane ratings, and it is a standard practice in the fuel industry.
• 😀 The process of fuel production starts with Nafta, which has a wide octane range, and blending is done to meet specific RON (octane rating) requirements.
• 😀 Additives, such as Afton, are used by Pertamina to improve fuel quality, such as reducing engine deposits and preventing corrosion, but they do not change the octane rating.
• 😀 Fuel color is not an indicator of quality; it is achieved by adding specific coloring agents to distinguish fuel types like Pertalite (green) and Pertamax (blue).
• 😀 Pertamina has denied any illegal fuel blending practices, with concerns mainly surrounding procurement procedures rather than blending processes.
• 😀 The term 'oplosan' has negative connotations because it is often used for mixing alcohol, but in the fuel industry, it refers to a legitimate blending process.
• 😀 Blending fuel to increase its octane rating is a legal and common practice, used by all fuel producers, both domestic and international.
• 😀 When blending fuel, higher-octane materials or boosters are mixed to meet the required RON, such as combining RON 90 with a higher-octane material to achieve RON 92.
• 😀 The main concern raised in the discussion was the procurement of fuel and whether Pertamina is paying for RON 92 fuel when it only meets RON 90 standards.
• 😀 The key issue is not about the blending process itself, but the possibility of corruption related to fuel procurement and improper purchasing practices.

Q & A

What is meant by the term 'blending' in the context of fuel production?

Blending refers to the process of mixing different fuel components to achieve a desired octane rating (RON). This is common in fuel production and helps meet specific regulatory or performance standards. It's similar to the term 'oplosan' in Bahasa, meaning mixing or combining substances.

Why did the term 'oplosan' cause confusion regarding Pertamina's fuel practices?

'Oplosan' in Indonesia usually has a negative connotation, as it is associated with illicitly mixing substances, like in alcohol production. However, in fuel production, 'oplosan' or blending is a standard, legal, and necessary practice to achieve specific fuel qualities like octane rating.

What is the significance of octane rating (RON) in fuel production?

The octane rating (RON) of a fuel is a measure of its ability to resist engine knocking or pinging during combustion. A higher RON typically means the fuel can withstand more pressure before igniting, which is crucial for performance in high-compression engines.

How does Pertamina ensure the quality of its fuel products?

Pertamina ensures quality by adhering to specific standards set by regulatory bodies and using processes like blending different types of nafta to achieve the desired octane rating. Additionally, Pertamina adds specific additives, such as detergents and anti-corrosion agents, to maintain fuel efficiency and engine cleanliness.

What role do additives play in Pertamina’s fuel production?

Additives in Pertamina's fuel, like detergents and anti-corrosion agents, are used to maintain engine cleanliness, reduce carbon deposits, and enhance fuel efficiency. They do not alter the fuel’s fundamental properties, such as its octane rating.

Can the addition of an additive change the octane rating of fuel?

No, additives like detergents or anti-corrosion agents do not change the octane rating of fuel. Their role is to improve engine performance and cleanliness, but they don't affect the fuel's chemical properties or its RON.

What did Pertamina's denial of blending practices imply about their operations?

Pertamina's denial of blending suggests that they do not engage in illegal or improper mixing of fuels to alter the octane rating beyond regulatory standards. However, they do use blending as a regular, accepted part of the refining process to meet market specifications.

What is the primary concern regarding fuel procurement in the Pertamina case?

The main concern centers on whether Pertamina is buying fuel at the correct price based on its octane rating or if there are discrepancies in the procurement process. This could involve potential corruption or mismanagement, such as paying for higher-quality fuel but receiving lower-quality product.

What is the role of colorants in Pertamina's fuel products?

Colorants are added to fuel products like Pertalite, Pertamax, and Pertamax Turbo to help consumers easily identify the type of fuel they are purchasing. Each type of fuel has a specific color, which is not an indicator of quality but is used for identification purposes.

Is it legal to blend fuels to increase the octane rating?

Yes, blending fuels to increase the octane rating is legal. It is a common practice in the fuel industry, including by companies like Pertamina, and is done using materials such as nafta or octane boosters to achieve the desired fuel specifications.