KAI Accelerates Energy Transition, Begins Testing B50 Biodiesel

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) has begun testing the use of B50 biodiesel in railway operations as part of an effort to accelerate the energy transition and support the government’s new and renewable energy programme.

KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin stated that the use of B50 is a continuation of the company’s biodiesel utilisation roadmap, which has been implemented gradually over recent years. He noted that energy transformation in the transport sector requires measurable operational readiness to ensure safety, service reliability, and energy efficiency.

“Indonesia’s energy transformation requires a transport sector capable of measured adaptation. KAI is strengthening the role of railways through a biodiesel roadmap from B0 to B50, ensuring every stage aligns with safety, service reliability, energy efficiency, and emission reduction,” Bobby said in a statement.

He explained that the railway sector holds a strategic position in supporting the national energy security agenda, as it serves both public mobility and large-scale logistics distribution. Consequently, every energy efficiency effort undertaken by KAI is expected to have a direct impact on the sustainability of public transport services and national logistics competitiveness.

“KAI must ensure that the energy transition produces real benefits, in terms of service reliability, energy efficiency, and contribution to environmental sustainability,” added Bobby.

KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication, Anne Purba, stated that technical testing for B50 usage began in April 2026 in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM). The testing is being conducted on locomotives and railway generators to evaluate engine performance, fuel consumption, emissions, and equipment durability under operational conditions.

For locomotive testing, KAI is utilising the CC206 locomotive operated alongside the Sembrani train set. Meanwhile, generator testing is being conducted on the Bogowonto train, comparing the performance of B40 and B50 fuels.

“The test results will serve as the basis for KAI’s evaluation, particularly regarding engine performance, fuel consumption, operational stability, filter conditions, emission aspects, and maintenance requirements. Our principle is clear: the energy transition must proceed in tandem with operational safety and reliability,” said Anne.

KAI is currently monitoring and evaluating the test results before implementing B50 more widely across railway operations. The use of biodiesel within KAI has increased progressively, moving from B20 in 2018-2019, B30 in 2020-2022, B35 in 2023-2024, to B40 in 2025-2026, before entering the B50 testing phase this year.

In terms of sustainability, the transition from B35 to B50 is projected to reduce emissions by up to 133,676 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). This figure represents the largest contribution to KAI’s decarbonisation programme for the 2025-2030 period.

Bobby emphasised that KAI will continue to strengthen the role of rail-based transport in supporting the national energy transformation. He maintained that sustainability must go hand-in-hand with safe, reliable, and affordable transport services.

“The biodiesel roadmap from B0 to B50 demonstrates that railways play a vital role in Indonesia’s energy transformation. With government support, KAI will continue to ensure that public transport and logistics services remain reliable, while strengthening our contribution to national energy security, emission reduction, and economic competitiveness,” concluded Bobby.