KAI Confirms All Diesel Fleet Ready for Mandatory B50 Biodiesel Implementation

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) has confirmed that all its diesel facilities are ready to implement B50 biodiesel. This readiness covers locomotives and generator carriages, which are crucial components of diesel-based railway operations. KAI’s preparedness aligns with the government’s B50 biodiesel mandate, which took effect today, 1 July 2026. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources stated that the implementation of B50 includes a three-month transition period to allow for field adjustments, including the management of old stock and the process towards full B50 usage. KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba said the company supports the government’s policy to strengthen the use of bioenergy sourced from domestic resources. This support is demonstrated through the readiness of facilities, technical application trials, and the reinforcement of operational safety and reliability aspects. ‘KAI supports the B50 biodiesel mandate enforced by the government starting today, 1 July 2026. In terms of facilities, all of KAI’s diesel locomotives and carriages are ready to implement B50 after undergoing technical application trials and strengthening operational safety aspects,’ Anne said. Anne explained that this readiness was reinforced through joint application trials with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources on diesel-based railway facilities. The tests were conducted to ensure the use of B50 matches the operational characteristics of trains, both for locomotives and generator carriages. For locomotives, testing was directed at observing the engine’s response when using B50 in train travel operation patterns. Monitoring was carried out on engine performance, combustion stability, fuel consumption, and the condition of main components to ensure reliability when serving passenger journeys. Meanwhile, for generator carriages, testing was conducted by examining generator set performance, fuel consumption, emissions, filter conditions, and operational endurance. These stages are important because generator carriages play a role in maintaining the electricity supply to support passenger comfort during travel. ‘The use of B50 in railway facilities requires measurable technical readiness. Therefore, KAI conducted testing, monitoring, and evaluation so that its implementation remains aligned with railway operational safety standards,’ Anne said. From a sustainability perspective, the implementation of B50 strengthens KAI’s contribution to the national energy transition agenda. Increasing the biodiesel blend helps expand the use of domestic renewable energy, reduces the consumption of fossil diesel, and supports emission reduction efforts in the transportation sector. KAI has also been gradually using biodiesel in its diesel facility operations, from B35 to B40. This experience forms part of KAI’s readiness to enter the B50 stage with a safe, measured technical approach that suits operational needs. ‘KAI is ready to implement the use of B50 in accordance with government directives. All our diesel facilities have been prepared, so this energy transition can proceed while maintaining travel safety, operational reliability, and service quality for the public,’ Anne concluded.