Minister Bahlil Guarantees B50 Biodiesel Suitable for Asian and European Vehicle Engines

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has guaranteed that the quality of B50 biodiesel is suitable for car engines produced by both Asian and European manufacturers. “It was not only tested on Toyota, but on Mercedes too, and it was fine. So we are making this for everyone, from Asia to Europe,” Bahlil said during the launch of the B50 Mandate in Karawang, West Java, on Thursday, 9 July 2026. Based on test results conducted over approximately six months, Bahlil stated that the quality of B50 is far superior to B40. The assessment was based on filter replacements during road tests. For B40 biodiesel, filters were replaced at intervals of 10,000 to 20,000 kilometres. In contrast, during the B50 road test, some vehicles had not yet required a filter change even after covering 40,000 kilometres. “Back when I was a public minivan driver, B50 didn’t exist. So I really appreciate the team who worked on this technically,” Bahlil remarked. President Prabowo Subianto officially launched the B50 Mandatory Programme at the Km 57 rest area in Karawang Regency on Thursday. The legal basis for the programme includes Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Regulation No. 4 of 2025 concerning the Supply and Utilisation of Biofuel and Ministerial Decree No. 257.K/EK.01/MEM.E/2026 regarding the obligation to blend 50 percent biodiesel into diesel fuel. The B50 programme mandates a 50 percent biodiesel blend in diesel fuel. Under the scheme, biofuel business entities, fuel business entities, and distributing business entities are required to comply with the specified standards and specifications. This policy is part of the government’s strategic agenda to reduce dependence on fuel imports, enhance the added value of national natural resources, and maintain Indonesia’s economic and energy resilience.