Gaikindo Confident B50 Trial Results Will Become Indonesia's "Trademark"
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Automotive Industry Association (Gaikindo) is optimistic that the trial results of 50% biodiesel blend (B50) fuel, which demonstrate strong performance, have the potential to become a unique trademark for Indonesia on the global stage.
Gaikindo’s General Secretary, Kukuh Kumara, in Jakarta on Wednesday, conveyed support for the B50 programme as part of the automotive industry’s commitment to backing government policies, particularly in energy efficiency and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
“We support the government’s B50 programme, and it has already been implemented. So far, the interim results are quite positive. Hopefully, this will also become a unique alternative, as B50 might be the first of its kind in the world. With good results, it will become a distinct trademark for Indonesia,” said Kukuh.
According to him, amid global geopolitical dynamics that trigger uncertainty in raw material prices and logistics, the national automotive industry has experience in facing similar crises.
He cited examples such as the 1998 economic crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which pressured the industry but were successfully navigated.
He added that current challenges due to geopolitical conflicts, such as supply disruptions, rising logistics costs, and exchange rate fluctuations, are indeed a concern for industry players. Nevertheless, he believes collaboration among all stakeholders will be key to maintaining industrial resilience.
Furthermore, Kukuh emphasised the importance of developing more fuel-efficient vehicle technologies. In addition to full electrification, options like hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) technologies are still considered relevant as transitional solutions.
“PHEVs have potential for further improvement, as they also offer opportunities for fuel savings. So, if combined with biofuels, it will enhance that even more,” he explained.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources stated that the interim results of the road trial using 50% biodiesel or B50 in the automotive sector are progressing well and indicate that the vegetable-based fuel (BBN) meets the required specifications.
“If it’s engine performance, from the technical team’s report, it meets the specifications,” said Director General of New, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Eniya Listiani Dewi, when met at the B50 Road Trial Fuel Blending and Filling Station in Lembang, West Java, on Tuesday (21/4).
Eniya conveyed that the report is also based on claims from companies whose vehicles participated in the B50 trial.
The test results show that the quality of B50 fuel meets the required specifications with a FAME content of 49-50%, as well as water content, monoglyceride, and oxidation stability parameters within the limits stipulated by the Liquid Bioenergy Technical Committee, namely a maximum water content of 300 ppm, lower than the 320 ppm set for B40.