New B50 Fuel to Roll Out 1 July, Here Are the Engine Test Results
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia is targeting a complete halt to imports of diesel fuel by 1 July 2026. This target aligns with the planned launch of the mandatory 50% biodiesel blend (B50) policy in Indonesia.
Bahlil explained that a series of trials of B50 on various engines and vehicles have shown positive results. The government is currently coordinating to ensure the readiness of distribution infrastructure before the policy is officially implemented widely.
“Technically, trials have been carried out by our team from ESDM, led by the Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation, Prof Eniya, and the results are very encouraging. To date, comparing B40 with B50, B50 has a lower water content,” he said when met at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs office in Jakarta, quoted on Friday (19/6/2026).
The government has conducted B50 testing across six sectors to guarantee operational reliability in the field. These sectors include land transportation, railways, maritime transport, as well as use in heavy equipment for mining and agricultural machinery.
“And this has been trialled on various vehicles, including heavy equipment, ships, trains, and other vehicles. Mining excavators, all agricultural equipment, everything has been tested,” Bahlil continued.
With the inauguration of this high palm oil blend policy, Indonesia is projected to no longer need diesel supplies from the global market. The government is committed to shifting the burden of energy imports to products that can be fully produced independently by domestic industry.
“So, God willing, we are very optimistic that the implementation and launch of B50 will take place on 1 July 2026. With that, we will reduce or even completely stop diesel imports, especially C48,” he stressed.
Previously, Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) Eniya Listiani Dewi explained that the specifications for B50 have been agreed upon by all stakeholders. She noted that producers have stated their ability to meet quality parameters that are stricter than those of the previous programme.
“Yes, the specs are done. So, from heavy equipment, it has been confirmed that the specs have been reduced to 20 PPM for water content, and so on, monoglycerides and others. They have agreed they can meet those specs. So, it’s all good,” she explained when met at the Ministry of ESDM office in Jakarta on Wednesday (17/6/2026).
The government is currently finalising two Ministerial Decrees (Kepmen) as the legal basis for the policy. One regulation will establish the national mandate for B50 usage, while the other will detail the allocation volume of biodiesel for the second half of this year.
“The mandate is in the Kepmen. The Minister just needs to sign the mandate Kepmen. Then, I am continuing discussions with Oil and Gas (Migas) on the allocation. The second Kepmen needs to be revised from this year’s decree,” she added.
The government is also calculating the required biodiesel volume, taking into account projected consumption increases ahead of the Christmas and New Year (Nataru) holidays. Her party continues to ensure the readiness of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) supply so that energy distribution across Indonesia remains stable once the B50 mandate begins.
“The volume. Because the Nataru forecast, all these forecasts are being calculated. Then the readiness of the FAME volume as well. For B50, it’s just a matter of go,” she explained.