Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources: Interim results of B50 road test proceeding well

Lembang, West Java - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has stated that the interim results of the road test for 50 per cent biodiesel or B50 usage in the automotive sector are proceeding well, indicating that the vegetable-based fuel (BBN) meets the required specifications.

“Regarding engine performance, the technical team’s report states that it meets the specifications,” said Director General of New, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Eniya Listiani Dewi, when met at the B50 Road Test Fuel Blending and Filling Station in Lembang, West Java, on Tuesday.

Eniya conveyed that the report is also based on claims from companies whose vehicles are participating in the B50 trial.

The test results show that the B50 fuel quality meets the required specifications with a FAME content of 49-50 per cent, as well as water content, monoglyceride, and oxidation stability parameters within the limits set by the Liquid Bioenergy Technical Committee, namely a maximum water content of 300 ppm, lower than the 320 ppm stipulated for B40.

“The water content test result came out at 208.81 ppm. That means it’s below 300 ppm (maximum water content). So, it’s better. Because (the water content) is lower, it’s better,” said Eniya.

Meanwhile, the monoglyceride content is a maximum of 0.47 per cent by mass for B50, lower than 0.5 per cent by mass for B40.

Furthermore, there is a requirement for oxidation stability of a minimum of 900 minutes for B50, up from a minimum of 720 minutes for B40.

“So, we will finish (the road test) in May. May for all automotive,” said Eniya.

The road test, which has been ongoing since 9 December 2025, involves nine vehicles from the automotive sector.

The details of the nine units consist of four vehicles from four sole agents holding brands (ATPM) testing B50, representing vehicles with a capacity of less than 3.5 tonnes or passenger cars, and five vehicles from four ATPM testing B50, representing heavy commercial vehicles with a capacity of more than 3.5 tonnes, such as large trucks and buses.

“And this time, the manufacturers are not only Japanese makes. European manufacturers are also participating (in the road test). The buses and large trucks (European makes),” said Eniya.

Currently, Eniya has received reports that three vehicles consisting of trucks and buses have completed the road test for 40,000 km. Meanwhile, the road test for the other vehicles is still ongoing.

For heavy commercial vehicles, the B50 road test mileage is 40,000 km. Whereas for passenger vehicles, the B50 road test mileage is 50,000 km.

“Insya Allah in accordance with the directive, it can be implemented on 1 July,” she said.

Previously, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that Indonesia will implement the B50 policy starting 1 July 2026 to save subsidies worth Rp48 trillion per year.

He stated that Pertamina is ready to implement the policy.

The B50 implementation policy, according to Airlangga, has the potential to reduce the use of fossil fuels by 4 million kilolitres (kl) in one year.