B50 Launch Seen as Supporting Prabowo's Self-Sufficiency Vision and Strengthening Energy Sovereignty

The Chairman of Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Bambang Patijaya, has commended the national launch of the mandatory B50 biodiesel by President Prabowo Subianto, which was attended by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia. He stated that the implementation of B50 is a strategic step in strengthening national energy sovereignty and is a crucial part of efforts to achieve energy self-sufficiency, a priority of President Prabowo’s administration. Bambang assessed that the B50 launch demonstrates the government’s seriousness in optimising domestic resources to meet national energy needs. In line with President Prabowo’s directive that a nation’s sovereignty is determined by its ability to achieve self-sufficiency in energy, food, and water, the B50 policy proves that Indonesia can utilise its national potential as a force for development and national resilience. Based on data from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the mandatory B50 implementation is projected to save up to Rp170 trillion in foreign exchange annually. Furthermore, the policy is expected to increase the added value of the crude palm oil industry to Rp23.39 trillion, absorb approximately 2.1 million workers, increase biodiesel demand to 16.7–18 million kilolitres, raise crude palm oil demand to 15.2–16.3 million tonnes, and reduce carbon emissions by up to 44.9 million tonnes of CO2 per year. Bambang noted that these achievements show that energy policy not only functions to maintain supply security but can also serve as an instrument to drive economic growth, strengthen downstream industry, improve the welfare of oil palm farmers, and expand economic activity in palm oil-producing regions. ‘The launch of B50 is a milestone in the journey towards national energy sovereignty. As President Prabowo has stated, a strong nation is one that can meet its own energy, food, and water needs. Therefore, we must support this policy together so that it provides maximum benefits for the national economy and public welfare,’ Bambang said in a written statement on Thursday, 9 July 2026. Bambang expressed hope that the implementation of B50 can proceed consistently with the support of all stakeholders, from the government and business entities to the biodiesel industry and oil palm farmers. He believes that strong synergy will be key to optimally achieving the economic benefits, foreign exchange savings, increased investment, and strengthened national energy security.