Minister Bahlil says B50 biodiesel safe for Asian and European cars

Karawang, Jawa Barat (ANTARA) - Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Bahlil Lahadalia assured the public of the quality of B50 biodiesel, which is compatible with vehicles produced by Asian and European automakers.

"It's not only tested on Toyota, but also good on Mercedes," Lahadalia said at the launch of the Mandatory B50 Biodiesel Program in Karawang District, West Java, on Thursday.

Based on the results of B50 tests conducted over approximately six months, Lahadalia stated that the quality of B50 is far superior to B40. The assessment was based on the frequency of filter replacements carried out during road tests.

For B40 biodiesel, he said, filters typically need to be replaced every 10,000–20,000 km. Meanwhile, during the B50 road test period, Lahadalia said that some vehicles had not required a filter replacement even after traveling 40,000 km.

President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated the Mandatory B50 Biodiesel Program at Rest Area Km 57, Karawang District, on Thursday.

The legal basis for the implementation of the Mandatory B50 Biodiesel Program is Ministerial Regulation No. 4 of 2025 concerning the Business and Utilization of Biofuels.

Another legal basis is the Ministerial Decree No. 257.K/EK.01/MEM.E/2026 concerning the Mandatory Blending of Biodiesel with Diesel Fuel at a 50 Percent.

The B50 program mandates a 50 percent biodiesel blend in diesel fuel. In its implementation, biofuel businesses, fuel companies, and distributors are required to implement quality and technical standards in accordance with established specifications.

The policy is part of the government's broader strategy to reduce dependence on fuel imports, increase the value added of Indonesia's natural resources, and strengthen the country's economic and energy resilience.

Related news: Indonesia ends diesel imports with mandatory B50 biodiesel rollout

Translator: Putu Indah Savitri, Cindy Frishanti Octavia

Editor: M Razi Rahman

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