JAKARTA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian government plans to launch a 10 percent ethanol blend in gasoline (E10) in 2027, the country's Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has said.

The rollout will serve as the initial phase of a broader plan to introduce E20 gasoline, containing 20 percent bioethanol, through a gradual implementation targeted for 2028-2029, Lahadalia said in Jakarta on Monday.

Lahadalia explained that the policy aims to reduce Indonesia's reliance on gasoline imports. However, the government intends to prioritize building its domestic bioethanol industry and securing local raw material supply before full implementation to avoid relying on ethanol imports.

"For the next one to two years, we will prepare everything. After that, we will fully implement the E20 mandate," Lahadalia said.

To meet the target, the country has also been encouraging private companies to invest in domestic bioethanol plants.