Indonesia rail fleet fully prepared for B50 biofuel shift

Jakarta (ANTARA) - State-owned rail operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) declared that its entire fleet of diesel-powered vehicles is ready to transition to B50 biodiesel, following the government mandate that took effect on July 1, 2026.

"KAI supports the government's B50 biodiesel mandate," KAI Vice President of Corporate Communications Anne Purba said here on Thursday.

The transition marks a significant milestone in Indonesia's renewable energy roadmap, with KAI completing rigorous technical evaluations to ensure its fleet can handle the higher biofuel blend without compromising transit safety.

The operational overhaul spans the company’s most critical diesel assets, specifically targeting its primary locomotives and passenger power trains, according to Purba.

To facilitate a seamless integration, the Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ministry has instituted a three-month transition period. This window allows transportation operators to manage legacy fuel stock and adjust field logistics ahead of full B50 utilization.

"In terms of facilities, all KAI locomotives and diesel vehicles are ready to implement B50 after undergoing technical application tests and strengthening operational safety aspects," Purba remarked.

The application tests were conducted in collaboration with the ESDM Ministry to guarantee that the higher biodiesel blend aligns with the specific operating characteristics of KAI's heavy equipment.

For the locomotive fleet, the joint trials focused on observing engine response under standard operational patterns, specifically tracking combustion stability, fuel consumption rates, and the structural integrity of critical components.

Meanwhile, testing for the power trains included evaluating generator performance, emissions, filter durability and operational longevity to ensure an uninterrupted onboard electricity supply for passenger comfort.

"The use of B50 in railway infrastructure requires measurable technical readiness. Therefore, KAI conducts testing, monitoring and evaluation to ensure its implementation remains aligned with railway operational safety standards," Purba added.

From an environmental standpoint, the B50 rollout strengthens KAI’s contribution to the national energy transition agenda by increasing renewable energy use, cutting fossil diesel dependency and lowering mass transport emissions.

KAI has gradually adopted biodiesel mixtures over recent years, moving from B35 to B40 before entering the current B50 phase.

The operator will continue to execute a safe, measurable technical approach tailored to public service needs, Purba concluded.

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Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Yashinta Difa

Editor: Arie Novarina

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