Bahlil Confirms B50 Launch Will End Indonesia's Diesel Imports

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has confirmed that Indonesia will no longer import diesel following the official launch of the 50 percent biodiesel mandate (B50) today. Speaking at the inauguration of the B50 Mandatory programme in Karawang, West Java, Bahlil declared the move a historic first. “With the implementation of B50, we will no longer import diesel, this is the first time,” he stated on Thursday, 9 July 2026. Bahlil acknowledged that the achievement was not easily won, noting that the process of increasing the biodiesel blend typically requires up to ten years, including a three-year trial period. However, following President Prabowo’s instruction to realise the B50 mandate in 2026, the government accelerated its efforts. “Because of President Prabowo’s order, we had to find a way to implement B50 this year,” he said. Bahlil emphasised that the B50 implementation is not solely an energy sector milestone but also represents an effort to establish and fulfil national self-reliance and sovereignty, particularly in the energy sector. “This is not just about energy, but also about our nation’s sovereignty and self-reliance in energy,” he added.