Gaikindo: B50 Implementation Safe for Diesel Engines in Indonesia

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chairman I of the Indonesian Automotive Industry Association (Gaikindo), Jongki D. Sugiarto, stated that test results indicate the use of B50 biodiesel fuel is safe for diesel-engine vehicles in Indonesia. Gaikindo welcomes the government’s plan to implement B50 biodiesel for diesel vehicles and has requested that automotive manufacturers offering diesel vehicles participate in the testing phase to support the government programme. “The results are good, so manufacturers are asked to prepare their vehicles. They are then tested using B50, driving for tens of thousands of kilometres. So far, it is safe,” said Jongki D. Sugiarto in Jakarta on Monday. According to the association, the test results covering thousands of kilometres provide optimism regarding the implementation of the fuel with a 50 percent biodiesel blend. Jongki also assessed that the successful implementation of B50 does not solely depend on vehicle technology readiness. He noted that the development of B50 could be a solution to increase the domestic absorption of palm oil production. Thus, the programme not only supports efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels but also provides added value for the national plantation sector. The association reminded that the palm oil industry is a strategic sector that needs continuous support. Therefore, the utilisation of palm oil through the biodiesel programme is considered capable of maintaining a balance between supply and domestic demand, preventing excess production without a clear market. With satisfactory test results and industry support, Jongki expressed hope that the implementation of B50 can proceed according to the government’s plan. However, its execution still requires coordination between the government, vehicle manufacturers, the fuel industry, and palm oil industry players to ensure the transition to higher-content biodiesel can take place optimally.