Government Assures B50 Biodiesel Safe for Vehicles, Dismisses 'Reckless Leap' Claims

The government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), has assured the public that the biofuel blend containing 50 percent palm oil (B50) is safe for use and will not damage vehicle engines. Ministry spokesperson Dwi Anggi stated that the implementation of the B50 policy has undergone in-depth study, comprehensive testing, and thorough evaluation, and is not an uncalculated move. “We need to emphasise that B50 is not a policy that emerged suddenly or represents a reckless leap. This is the fruit of a long journey spanning nearly two decades in the development of national biodiesel,” Dwi Anggia said in a statement on Wednesday. She added that the government fully understands public concerns regarding mechanical safety, and these concerns had been a primary focus long before the programme’s official launch. Dwi Anggia explained that Indonesia’s biodiesel roadmap was initiated in 2008, starting with a B2.5 blend. The blend percentage has been gradually and consistently increased through variants B10, B20, B30, B35, up to B40. Each phase of increasing the blend volume was preceded by a series of rigorous technical tests and comprehensive performance evaluations. Specifically for the B50 implementation, the Ministry of ESDM and relevant stakeholders expanded the scope of trials to ensure the fuel’s reliability across various operational lines. These robust tests involved multiple sectors, including automotive vehicles, agricultural machinery, heavy equipment in mining, railways, marine transportation, and power generation. Based on the technical test results, the quality of the B50 fuel has demonstrated increasingly better performance, even surpassing the achievements of the previous B40 formula. “Now, a new milestone in Indonesia’s clean energy management has begun. President Prabowo Subianto has officially launched the full implementation of the B50 mandate,” she stated. This strategic policy is designed as a key pillar to sustainably strengthen national energy security, independence, and sovereignty. The successful implementation of B50 also positions Indonesia as a leading country in the world that has successfully implemented the highest palm oil-based biodiesel blend mandate, reaching 50 percent.