ESDM Reveals Engine Performance Using Indonesia's New B50 Fuel
Lembang, CNBC Indonesia - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has revealed the performance results of vehicle engines using 50% biodiesel or B50 fuel. Based on the trials conducted, the quality of B50 has a water content well below the maximum threshold set.
Director General of New, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) of the Ministry of ESDM, Eniya Listiani Dewi, explained the details of the technical parameters from laboratory and field testing results. One of the outcomes is that the water content in the B50 mixture is a factor in maintaining diesel engine stability during the road trial period.
“This is the water content test result that has come out, 208.81 (ppm). That means below 300 ppm. It’s better because lower is better. If there’s more water, that’s what is often mentioned (to disrupt) engine performance. So we emphasise that the lower the water content, the better,” she stated at the B50 Road Trial Fuel Blending and Filling Station, Lembang, quoted on Wednesday (22/4/2026).
Indeed, the government is tightening the technical specifications of B50 compared to the current running programme, B40. The monoglyceride parameter is pressed to a maximum of 0.47% mass, and oxidation stability is increased to a minimum of 900 minutes to ensure engine performance remains maintained even as the vegetable mixture percentage increases.
“So the requirements for the vegetable fuel business entities are set like that to ensure good performance. Definitely improved because we also test this performance, that’s why we set the B100 specification to be much better,” Eniya explained.
Besides engine stability, the use of B50 has proven able to reduce sulphur content in the fuel by up to 50%. With half of the sulphur content eliminated, the emissions quality produced by diesel-engine vehicles is claimed to start approaching Euro-4 environmental standards.
“FAME functions to reduce sulphur as well. If the mixture is 50%, the sulphur drops to 50%. There’s no sulphur content, right, then mixed to become only about half. Approximately approaching Euro-4,” she elaborated.
Regarding the condition of engine components, they reported no significant issues such as blockages requiring quick filter replacement. Additionally, fuel consumption in the tested vehicles remains within the standard range set by each manufacturer.
“Now this engine performance was reported with no filter changes. From the technical team’s report, it’s according. So if the manufacturer’s claim is 11 (km/litre), this one is 11.04, so the number matches the manufacturer’s claim even. We can confirm that,” she emphasised.
Based on ESDM Ministry data, the implementation of the B50 programme targeted to start in July 2026 is projected to save state foreign exchange up to Rp157.28 trillion. Besides the economic aspect, the policy is also expected to add national employment with a target absorption of more than 2.2 million workers.
From the environmental side, the use of B50 is targeted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 46.72 million tons of CO2 in 2026. Meanwhile, up to mid-April 2026, the national biodiesel distribution realisation has reached 3.90 million kilolitres or about 24.9% of the initial yearly allocation of 15.65 million kilolitres.
Technically, the B50 specifications are enhanced to maintain engine performance, including pressing water content to a maximum of 300 ppm and monoglycerides to a maximum of 0.47% mass. Oxidation stability is also strengthened to a minimum of 900 minutes to ensure fuel quality remains prime during storage and distribution in various regions.
The government targets the entire series of automotive sector trials to be completed in June 2026, while other strategic sectors such as heavy equipment and railways will be finished gradually until the end of the year. With interim test results showing reliable and safe performance, B50 is ready to strengthen national energy independence.