From 1 July 2026, Indonesia's B50 Fuel to Undergo Testing on Ships and Heavy Equipment

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, has confirmed that the mandatory 50% biodiesel or B50 policy will begin implementation on 1 July 2026.

According to him, the government is currently conducting a series of trials on various modes of transport and industrial equipment to ensure readiness for implementation.

The B50 testing is being carried out in several sectors, from ships and heavy equipment to trains. The trials are intended to confirm that the biodiesel blend with diesel remains compatible with engines and does not cause any disruptions.

“Pray that in our schedule we agree on the implementation, pray during the tests. Now it’s being tested on ships, some heavy equipment, and trains. Hopefully there are no issues. If it follows the schedule with no problems, implementation starts on 1 July,” said Bahlil when met at the Ministry of ESDM in Jakarta on Monday (11/2/2026).

Nevertheless, Bahlil stated that the government remains open to adjustments if technical obstacles are found in engines or fuel performance during the testing process.

“But if during the trials there are issues with the engines, perhaps not fitting properly, we will make adjustments,” said Bahlil.

Previously, Bahlil mentioned that the government has conducted B50 trials for six months. These trials were performed on various types of engines, from heavy equipment and trains to trucks. Thus, the B50 implementation target can proceed starting 1 July 2026.

“But soon it will be finalised, and up to today the trials have been, alhamdulillah, quite good. And implementation of B50 starts on 1 July,” he said when met at the Ministry of ESDM office, quoted on Tuesday (7/4/2026).

The implementation of B50 is also in line with the current government’s goal of diversifying domestic energy sources. This aligns with anticipating the escalation of uncertain global geopolitics at present.

“Imagine now if we didn’t diversify, who would we rely on,” he added.