MPR: B50 Implementation a Strategic Step Towards Energy Sovereignty

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Eddy Soeparno has assessed that the implementation of B50 biodiesel is a strategic step towards achieving energy sovereignty whilst reducing Indonesia’s dependence on imported fuel oil. Eddy Soeparno stated that increasing the mandatory biodiesel blend from B40 to B50 aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of strengthening national energy independence. “The B50 programme is in line with President Prabowo’s vision to realise energy sovereignty. Indonesia possesses vast resources, and it is time this potential is optimally utilised to reduce our dependence on energy imports,” he said. According to Eddy, the adoption of B50 also plays a vital role amidst global geopolitical uncertainty, which can affect energy prices and supply. “Geopolitical turmoil demonstrates that dependence on imported energy is a strategic vulnerability. Therefore, President Prabowo’s efforts to boost domestic energy production and utilisation must be supported as part of the national energy security and sovereignty agenda,” he stated. He proposed that the government ensure technical and infrastructure readiness, spanning production, storage, distribution, the blending process, and fuel compatibility with vehicles and machinery. “We must ensure the entire ecosystem is ready, including fuel quality, distribution infrastructure, and engine compatibility. Quality testing and supervision must be carried out consistently so that the public, as consumers, receive certainty,” he said. He added that energy policy must be viewed holistically, ensuring that the pursuit of energy independence also safeguards food security and provides fair benefits to farmers. President Prabowo Subianto previously launched the B50 mandatory biodiesel programme as an effort to strengthen energy independence and reduce reliance on imported fuel oil. The President stated that Indonesia is the first country to implement a B50 mandate, demonstrating the nation’s ability to utilise natural resources for the people’s interest and to strengthen national self-reliance.