Prabowo: Indonesia Leads Carbon Emission Reduction with B50 Biodiesel Launch

President Prabowo Subianto has stated that Indonesia is now in the global spotlight after successfully implementing the B50 biodiesel mandate, which he claims leads efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Speaking at the programme’s launch in Karawang, West Java, he noted that the world is taking notice of Indonesia’s progress. The President admitted he was surprised to find international media and observers discussing Indonesia’s success in implementing the energy policy without causing price shocks for ordinary citizens. The emission reduction from the B50 implementation is estimated to reach tens of millions of tonnes, serving as early evidence of Indonesia’s contribution to global greenhouse gas reduction. According to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the B50 mandate in 2026 is expected to lower greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 44.9 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, an increase from the savings achieved by the B40 programme in 2025. Prabowo also revealed plans to build a 100 gigawatt solar power plant within the next two years, with state electricity company PLN commencing construction of 17 gigawatts this year. The President believes this ambitious plan will draw further global attention to Indonesia, though he also anticipates scepticism from some quarters. With the B50 launch, Indonesia becomes the first country in the world to mandate a 50 percent biodiesel blend in diesel fuel, continuing a series of programmes from B30, B35, and B40 implemented over the past decade. In addition to cutting carbon emissions, the B50 mandate is projected to save the state up to Rp170 trillion in foreign exchange in 2026, increase the added value of crude palm oil, and absorb around 2.1 million workers.