Ministry of Agriculture Tests B50 on Agricultural Machinery to Promote Energy Independence

The development of biofuel is a strategic step in strengthening national energy resilience. Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) is testing B50 biodiesel on agricultural tools and machinery (alsintan) to strengthen national food security based on energy independence. “The development of biofuel is a strategic step in strengthening national energy resilience,” said Minister of Agriculture and Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) Andi Amran Sulaiman in a statement in Jakarta on Monday. He stated that the Ministry of Agriculture continues to accelerate the utilisation of renewable energy in the agricultural sector through the development of B50 biodiesel and its testing on agricultural tools and machinery. This step is part of strategic efforts to promote energy independence based on domestic resources while supporting sustainable agricultural modernisation. He mentioned that one innovation being developed is hybrid biodiesel bioreactor technology by the Agricultural Assembly and Modernisation Agency (BRMP), designed to process various vegetable oil raw materials into biodiesel more efficiently, flexibly, and controllably. “We are converting 5.3 million tonnes of CPO into biofuel. That means this year we are not importing diesel. This is a direct order from the President,” said the Minister. He emphasised that accelerating the utilisation of biodiesel, including through the B50 Programme, is an important part in reducing dependence on fossil fuels while increasing the added value of domestic commodities. Meanwhile, the Head of the Agricultural Assembly and Modernisation Agency (BRMP) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fadjry Djufry, stated that the development of bioenergy technology is part of efforts to promote downstream innovation in agriculture. Fadjry said that they are promoting the development of biodiesel bioreactors capable of producing fuel efficiently with stable quality. “Thus, the biodiesel produced can be utilised for various needs, including the operation of agricultural tools and machinery,” he said. As an implementation, BRMP through the Centre for Agricultural Assembly and Modernisation of Mechanisation (BRMP Mektan) has conducted field performance tests of B50-fuelled alsintan in collaboration with LEMIGAS in early April 2026. Head of BRMP Mektan, Arief Rachman, explained that the testing was carried out to ensure the technical readiness of using biodiesel in real operational conditions. Arief said the testing was conducted to evaluate the performance of alsintan, from engine reliability, fuel efficiency, to operational stability in the field. “The results will serve as the basis for developing alternative energy-based agricultural mechanisation, in line with support for the B50 programme,” he explained. The testing was conducted on various types of alsintan, such as two-wheeled tractors, four-wheeled tractors, and water pumps, including cold-startability testing to ensure the engine can still operate after a certain storage period. Based on laboratory and field test results, the use of B50 biodiesel shows relatively stable performance. Key parameters such as power, fuel consumption, work efficiency, and operational performance have met the established SNI standards. “These results indicate that B50 biodiesel has the potential to be applied to agricultural tools and machinery without negatively impacting performance or operational reliability,” he explained. Through the development of biodiesel bioreactor technology and implementative field testing, the Ministry of Agriculture continues to promote the integration of bioenergy innovation and agricultural mechanisation. These efforts are expected to improve operational efficiency, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and strengthen the foundation of modern sustainable agriculture in supporting the success of the national B50 programme.