Central Java Ready to Develop B50 Usage, Starting with Agricultural Equipment

The Central Java Provincial Government fully supports the mandatory implementation of B50 biodiesel fuel, which was officially launched by President Prabowo Subianto at the KM 57 Rest Area of the Jakarta-Cikampek Toll Road in Karawang Regency, West Java, on Thursday (9/7). B50 is a fuel consisting of 50 percent palm oil-based biodiesel (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester/FAME) and 50 percent fossil diesel. It is a continuation of the government’s mandatory biodiesel programme, which previously implemented B20, B30, and B40. The number 50 indicates the percentage of biodiesel content in the blend. Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi stated that the current use of B50 in his region is still focused on agricultural equipment. In the future, it is hoped to extend to other tools, including land and sea transportation. “Currently, PT Kubota in Semarang City is already using agricultural equipment with B50. Going forward, it will not only be for agricultural equipment but also for ships or vehicles that use biodiesel,” Luthfi said on the sidelines of the launch event. According to him, the successful implementation of B50 in the transportation, industrial, and agricultural machinery sectors will strengthen regional competitiveness while supporting national energy security. It also strongly supports a more environmentally friendly energy transition. For Central Java, this bioenergy development complements various ongoing energy transition programmes, such as the development of solar power plants, solar-powered water pumps, Energy Independent Villages, and others. Meanwhile, President Prabowo Subianto stated that with the launch of the programme, Indonesia has officially become the first country in the world to implement the B50 mandate. This achievement is not solely about technological advancement but also about utilising the nation’s own natural resources for the benefit of the people. “I continue to push and demand the team for energy independence. B40 was not enough; I even pushed towards B100, but they said B50 is sufficient so we no longer need to import diesel from abroad,” he said. Prabowo conveyed that the success of the B50 Mandatory Programme could not be separated from the roles of various parties, including relevant ministries, oil palm farmers, and entrepreneurs, as well as the contributions of previous presidents. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia explained that the B50 Mandate could save up to Rp170 trillion in foreign exchange, enabling Indonesia to stop importing diesel from abroad. Another impact is providing market certainty for oil palm farmers through increased absorption of crude palm oil.