Minister Bahlil Launches B50 Biodiesel Programme, Assures 'Coalition is Safe'
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources and Golkar Party Chairman Bahlil Lahadalia greeted three governors attending the launch of the B50 biodiesel programme. Bahlil quipped that the three of them already represent the majority voice in Indonesia.
Bahlil made the remarks in his opening speech at the B50 biodiesel launch, attended by President Prabowo Subianto, in Karawang, West Java, on Thursday (9/7/2026). He expressed appreciation for the attendance of West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, and Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi.
“Our respected guests: the Governor of West Java, Kang Dedi, and also the Governor of Central Java, Pak Luthfi, and the Governor of East Java, Ibu Khofifah,” said Bahlil.
Bahlil said the three of them already represent the majority of Indonesia’s vote. He then assured that the coalition would remain safe.
“These three governors, as party chairmen, already hold the majority voice of the Republic of Indonesia, Sir. Because they knew the President was coming, all three came along — it is still solid. The coalition is safe. Kang Dedi must use brake, accelerate, brake, accelerate,” said Bahlil.
A number of ministers also attended the event, including Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of Housing and Settlements Maruarar Sirait, Minister of Defence Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Head of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) Herindra, Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono, Head of the Communications Agency Muhammad Qodari, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto.
For context, the B50 programme mandates a 50 percent blend of biodiesel into diesel-type fuel. The policy is one of the government’s strategic agendas to reduce fuel imports, increase the added value of national natural resources, and strengthen energy and economic resilience.
The government views the implementation of B50 not merely as an increase in the share of biodiesel in diesel. The programme is also a step towards strengthening national energy self-reliance, security and sovereignty.
The programme is implemented under Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Regulation No. 4 of 2025 on the Production and Utilisation of Biofuels, as well as Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Decree No. 257.K/EK.01/MEM.E/2026 concerning the mandatory blending of 50 percent biodiesel into diesel oil.
During the transition period, fuel supply businesses have been given until 30 September 2026 to exhaust their B40-specification biodiesel stocks before switching fully to B50.
Prior to its national rollout, B50 underwent comprehensive testing across six sectors: automotive, agricultural tools and machinery, heavy mining equipment, maritime transport, power generation, and railways.