Aprobi: Palm-based Biofuel Development Effectively Reduces Fuel Imports

The Indonesian Biofuel Producers Association (Aprobi) has stated that in the Southeast Asian region, the development of palm-based biofuels has proven effective in reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports.

The Vice Chairman of Aprobi, Catra Aradeem de Thouars, noted that the global energy market is currently facing challenges in maintaining energy sovereignty while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions.

In Southeast Asia, he continued in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday, Indonesia’s progress is clearly visible. Indonesia is pioneering high blending mandates through the transition from B40 to B50, while Malaysia and Thailand are also expanding their domestic programmes.

“Palm-based biodiesel is no longer merely an alternative fuel, but rather the foundation of energy independence and economic stability,” he said.

Catra added that industry expansion is now not only focused on land vehicles but is also beginning to venture into the development of bioethanol, high-concentration B100, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

On that occasion, Catra also explained the upcoming 6th Palm Biodiesel Conference 2026, to be held in Nusa Dua, Bali, on 17-18 September 2026, which will emphasise the strategic role of palm biodiesel as a main pillar of national energy security and the transition towards net-zero emissions.

The conference, initiated by Aprobi alongside the Malaysian Biodiesel Association (MBA) and the Thai Biodiesel Producer Association (TBPA), and supported by the Palm Oil Fund Management Agency (BPDP), will also discuss developments in biodiesel mandates, feedstock readiness, technological updates, regulations, and the implementation of ISPO/RSPO standards.

Meanwhile, the Director of Downstream Sector Fund Distribution at BPDP, Mohammad Alfansyah, explained that the biodiesel funding scheme is a vital part of maintaining mandate sustainability, as the price of biodiesel and diesel fuel are not always at the same level.

“The role of BPDP is to provide incentives to cover the price difference between the biodiesel market index price and the diesel fuel market index price,” he said.