Govt assures B50 diesel safe for engines

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government has assured the public that B50 biodiesel, a blend containing 50 percent palm oil, is safe for public use and will not damage vehicle engines.

Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry spokesperson Dwi Anggia said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday that the implementation of the B50 policy has undergone in-depth studies, comprehensive testing, and thorough evaluations.

"B50 is not a policy that was made overnight, nor is it a reckless leap forward. It is the result of a nearly two-decade journey in national biodiesel development," she said.

She further noted that the government fully understands public concerns regarding vehicle engine safety.

These concerns, she added, had been a primary focus for the government long before the program was officially launched.

Dwi explained that the roadmap for Indonesia’s biodiesel program was first laid out in 2008 with an initial 2.5 percent blend (B2.5).

Since then, the blending ratio has been gradually and consistently increased, progressing through B10, B20, B30, B35, and B40.

Every increase in the blend volume has been preceded by rigorous technical testing and thorough performance evaluations.

Specifically for the B50 implementation, effective July 1, 2026, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, alongside relevant stakeholders, has expanded the scope of trials to ensure the fuel’s reliability across various operational sectors.

These tests have involved multiple sectors, including automotive, agricultural machinery, heavy equipment in mining, trains, marine transport, and power plants.

Based on the test results, B50 fuel delivered even better performance, surpassing the achievements of the previous B40 blend.

"We have reached a new milestone in Indonesia's clean energy management. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has officially launched the full implementation of the B50 mandate," she remarked.

This strategic initiative was designed as a core pillar to sustainably strengthen Indonesia's energy security, self-sufficiency, and sovereignty.

The B50 implementation, Dwi added, also positions Indonesia as a global leader in implementing the highest palm oil-based biodiesel blend mandate, reaching 50 percent.

Translator: Arnidhya Nur, Raka Adji

Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono

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