B50 Testing on Diesel Engines: Director General of New Energy Says It Meets Specifications

Director General of New, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation Eniya Listiani Dewi explained that the performance of diesel engines when using B50 is rated as good. Diesel engines are capable of accepting it as fuel oil. “As for the engine performance, the technical team’s report indicated it meets specifications,” Eniya stated, quoted from Kompas.com on Wednesday (22/4/2026). The maximum water content in B50 is 300 ppm compared to 320 ppm in B40, still within the required threshold. Meanwhile, the Indonesian Automotive Industry Association (Gaikindo), which participated in the B50 testing on diesel engines, sees a bright prospect ahead. “We support the government’s B50 programme, and it has already been carried out. So far, the interim results show quite positive outcomes. Hopefully, this will also serve as a unique alternative, as B50 might be the first of its kind in the world,” said Gaikindo General Secretary Kukuh Kumara. All tests were conducted six months ago and ran successfully. “We have been testing B50 for nearly six months on various equipment such as heavy machinery, ships, trains, trucks, and the trials are still ongoing. Up to today, the tests have been quite good, alhamdulillah. And starting 1 July, the implementation of B50 will begin,” he said on Monday (6/4/2026). This ensures a more reliable supply of diesel fuel and ultimately maintains food price stability to keep it affordable for the public. “This is why the government has been seeking alternative energy from the start. Back then, you all laughed at me when I proposed B50 and ethanol. Imagine now, if we hadn’t diversified, who would we rely on?” he explained.