KAI Prepares Diesel Locomotives to Accelerate B50 Implementation

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) is preparing facilities and operations, particularly diesel locomotives, ahead of the mandatory B50 biodiesel implementation. This policy will apply across all sectors starting from 1 July 2026. The government has established this policy as part of efforts to strengthen national energy sovereignty. This step also promotes the use of more sustainable energy. Vice President of Corporate Communication at KAI, Anne Purba, stated that the B50 implementation is a continuation of the biodiesel programme that has been running consistently in the railway sector. “The B50 implementation is a continuation of the utilisation of biodiesel from previous stages that has been running consistently in the railway sector,” said Anne in an official statement on Thursday (23/4/2026). This trend continues into 2026. Up to the first quarter, the number of passengers reached 14.5 million people. Estimated emissions were recorded at around 38,900 tonnes of CO2e, remaining stable with the use of biodiesel. KAI compares rail transport emissions with private vehicles. The average emissions for private vehicles reach 36 to 45 kg of CO2 per passenger for medium distances. Trains only produce about 2.7 kg of CO2 per passenger. “This shows that using trains can reduce emissions by around 90 percent per trip,” Anne explained. With that number of passengers, train usage is estimated to reduce emissions by 480,000 to 610,000 tonnes of CO2e compared to trips using private vehicles. The testing process began with fuel mixing in mid-April 2026. The next stage includes checking facility conditions and testing fuel use in locomotives. Testing is conducted at Depo Sidotopo for locomotives. Tests are also carried out on generator cars at Depo Kereta Yogyakarta. The series of tests includes initial checks, use of B40 as a comparison, then use of B50. The testing is done to observe facility performance and durability under high-load conditions.