Bahlil Reveals B50 Programme Could Save Rp170 Trillion in Foreign Exchange and Absorb 2.1 Million Workers

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stated that the implementation of the mandatory B50 biodiesel programme could save the country approximately Rp170 trillion in foreign exchange by reducing Indonesia’s need to import diesel. “With the implementation of B50, Mr President, it turns out we can save Rp170 trillion. So from B40 to B50, we can retain our foreign exchange of Rp170 trillion,” Bahlil said during the launch of the Mandatory B50 Biodiesel Programme at the KM 57 Rest Area in Karawang Regency, West Java, on Thursday, 9 July 2026. This figure is an increase from the mandatory B40 policy, which saved Rp133.3 trillion in foreign exchange. In addition to saving foreign exchange, the B50 programme is estimated to increase the added value of crude palm oil from Rp20.92 trillion to approximately Rp23.49 trillion, absorb around 2.1 million workers, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to approximately 44.46 million tonnes of CO2 in 2026. “With the implementation of B50, thank God we will no longer import diesel products into our country. And this is the first time,” Bahlil said. President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated the Mandatory B50 Biodiesel Programme at the KM 57 Rest Area in Karawang Regency, West Java, on Thursday. The legal basis for the implementation of the Mandatory B50 Biodiesel Programme is Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Regulation Number 4 of 2025 concerning the Business and Utilisation of Biofuels, and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Decree Number 257.K/EK.01/MEM.E/2026 concerning the Obligation to Blend 50 Percent Biodiesel Biofuel with Diesel Fuel Oil. The B50 programme mandates a 50 percent biodiesel blend into diesel fuel oil. In its implementation, biofuel business entities, fuel oil business entities, and distributor business entities are required to apply standards and quality according to the specified specifications. This policy is part of the government’s strategic agenda to reduce dependence on fuel imports, strengthen the added value of national natural resources, and maintain Indonesia’s economic and energy resilience.