Pertamina views Balikpapan RDMP and B50 as historic achievements

The Director of Transformation and Business Sustainability at PT Pertamina (Persero), Agung Wicaksono, has assessed the commencement of the Balikpapan Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP) project and the implementation of B50 biodiesel as historic achievements for Indonesia.

“This year marks a historic momentum; whereas 2008 was known for B2.5, after 18 years, we have reached B50 this year,” Agung stated during the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum held in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Agung noted that following the launch of the B50 Programme by President Prabowo Subianto in July 2026, more than 95 per cent of Pertamina’s gas stations (SPBU) are now providing B50. “This means that the diesel consumed there consists of only 50 per cent hydrocarbons, while the other 50 per cent is FAME, or palm oil,” said Agung.

He also announced that the Balikpapan RDMP project has become fully operational this year, which will enable Pertamina to cease diesel imports. “Once the Balikpapan RDMP is fully operational, Pertamina will no longer import diesel,” Agung said.

The Balikpapan RDMP involves a total investment equivalent to IDR 123 trillion. The project aims to modernise existing refineries to increase oil processing capacity, produce high-quality and environmentally friendly fuels, drive petrochemical industry downstreaming, and strengthen national energy resilience.

The Balikpapan refinery will be capable of processing up to 360,000 barrels of oil per day. This capacity is equivalent to 22–25 per cent, or one-quarter, of the national requirement.

Economically, the Balikpapan RDMP is expected to have a significant impact on national energy independence, with fuel import savings of up to IDR 68 trillion per year and a contribution to the national GDP of approximately IDR 514 trillion.