ESDM states B50 proven high quality in trial results

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has stated that the results of trials for 50 per cent biodiesel, known as B50, are safe for motor vehicles.

“The testing went up to 50,000 kilometres. This proves that our material for B50 is indeed good,” said the Director General of New, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) at the Ministry of ESDM, Eniya Listable Dewi, in Jakarta on Tuesday.

According to her, before the B50 mandate is implemented widely, the Ministry of ESDM has conducted testing on a number of vehicles, including private, public, mining, and power generation engines.

She emphasised that the testing was conducted transparently, involving all relevant stakeholders in the implementation of B50.

Eniya explained that results from testing several cars up to 50,000 kilometres—and even for older production models reaching 37,000 kilometres—all showed safe conditions.

“We conducted tests up to 50,000 kilometres, and some cars with older specifications reached 37,000 kilometres before needing a filter change, whereas filters are usually replaced every 10,000 kilometres,” she said.

Despite having conducted extensive testing, the Ministry of ESDM is also providing space for the Indonesian Motor Vehicle Industry Association (Gakindo) and other organisations to continue trials up to 100,000 kilometres.

“This is currently ongoing. We will also request that the results be communicated collectively so that we can access that data,” she added.

During a Hearing with Commission XII, several members of parliament raised concerns regarding the quality of B50, as some users reported issues, such as the need to replace fuel filters more frequently and the necessity of adding additives to improve B50 performance.