Pertamina Commences First B50 Fuel Shipments from Sumatra and Papua Refineries

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has carried out the first delivery, or lifting, of fuel blended with 50% biodiesel (B50) from the Kasim refinery in Sorong Regency, South West Papua Province, and the Plaju refinery in South Sumatra.

The move follows President Prabowo Subianto’s official launch of the B50 programme on 9 July 2026.

VP of Corporate Communication at Pertamina Patra Niaga, Kitty Andhora, detailed the initial distribution carried out in the two strategic regions. She said the deliveries mark an important milestone for the company in supporting Indonesia’s energy self-sufficiency through increased palm oil blending.

“The first lifting of B50 by the Kasim and Plaju refineries is one of the important milestones marking Pertamina Patra Niaga’s concrete step in strengthening national energy independence, resilience and sovereignty, particularly through the implementation of the B50 programme launched by the government,” Kitty said in an official statement on Thursday (23 July 2026).

The first delivery was made from the Kasim refinery on 18 July 2026, channelling 4,600 kilolitres (KL) of B50 to the MT Krasak. The Plaju refinery followed with a lifting of 8,230 KL of B50 to the Integrated Terminal (IT) Palembang on 22 July 2026, for distribution to Indonesia’s western and eastern regions.

Before delivery, the company ensured the blending process between 50% FAME and 50% diesel met specification standards. The blended product must pass laboratory quality testing in accordance with Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources regulations before being distributed to petrol stations.

The first deliveries are seen as a concrete demonstration of the company’s commitment to supporting President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita programme to achieve energy self-sufficiency in Indonesia.

“This programme is also expected to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as curbing dependence on imported fuel,” Kitty added.

Kitty said the presence of B50 is expected to have a multiplier effect on the national economy. Beyond reducing emissions, the optimisation of domestic palm oil products is projected to save foreign exchange through a reduction in imported diesel volumes.