Jakarta – Pertamina has revealed the results of the sediment sample tests conducted by the Institute for Research and Industrial Affiliate (LAPI) ITB. The results confirm that Pertamax is not the cause of the fuel pump damage.
This comes in response to complaints claiming that Pertamax caused vehicle damage at a car repair shop in Cibinong, Bogor, some time ago.
“The sediment sample from the problematic vehicle was checked by LAPI ITB and confirmed that the cause of the vehicle damage was not from Pertamax fuel,” said Pertamina’s Vice President of Corporate Communication, Fadjar Djoko Santoso, in his statement, quoted on Sunday (1/12/2024).
As previously reported by detikcom, the LAPI ITB team tried to analyze the sediment by bringing the sample to the laboratory for examination using the EDS (Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) method.
Tri Yuswidjajanto Zaenuri, an Energy Conversion Expert at the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Institute of Technology Bandung (ITB), confirmed that the content in Pertamax fuel is not the cause of the vehicle engine damage as claimed.
Based on the EDS test results, the Lemigas team found that the sediment did not originate from, nor was it created by, Pertamax fuel as claimed. “It turns out that the compound forming the sediment was not found in the analyzed fuel (Pertamax),” Tri explained.
He also explained that to determine the cause of the fuel pump damage, the pump had to be removed, and the tank drained. The examination revealed sediment in the fuel.
From the inspection, Tri suspected that anti-corrosion material, which is commonly used as a coating for metal fuel tanks, might be the cause of the sediment formation. This sediment is the main reason for the vehicle losing power, as it clogs the filter before fuel enters the pump.
“Given that the coating is usually made from an alloy that was detected in the EDS analysis, research is still ongoing to determine the origin of the elements that formed the sediment,” he explained.
He stated that if the sediment is related to the corrosion-resistant material used in tank coatings, vehicle owners with resin fuel tanks can feel safe using Pertamax fuel as there will be no issue of sediment formation.
However, Tri assured that his team is still investigating the root cause of the issue to implement mitigation measures, so similar cases do not occur in the future. “We aim to prevent the same issue from arising again,” Tri concluded.
Testing was also conducted by the Oil and Gas Institute (Lemigas) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) at several gas stations in Cibinong. The results showed that Pertamax complies with the required standards and specifications and is confirmed safe to use.
“So, the public need not worry about the quality of Pertamax. Pertamina guarantees and remains committed to providing high-quality products for the community,” Fadjar stated.
For those who need information regarding services, product details, or wish to file complaints, they can contact Pertamina’s call center at 135 for assistance.
