Prabowo Launches B50, Lawmaker Says Domestic Energy Utilisation Achieved Optimally

A member of Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Alfons Manibui, has commended the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, for accelerating the implementation of the B50 biodiesel mandate. He stated that the implementation phases demonstrate the government’s commitment to strengthening national energy independence through the utilisation of domestic resources.

Alfons assessed that following the national launch of B50 by President Prabowo Subianto, the government’s focus has now shifted to ensuring successful field implementation. This is crucial so that the benefits can be felt optimally, both in reducing dependence on imported fuel and in bolstering national energy security.

According to data from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, as of early July 2026, 57.6 percent of Biosolar fuel stations had distributed B50. The government has also provided a transition period until 30 September 2026 for business entities to complete the distribution of B40 before the full nationwide implementation of B50 begins on 1 October 2026.

Alfons added that the implementation of B50 reflects the government’s alignment with the public by maintaining the availability of more affordable fuel while simultaneously strengthening the people’s economy. The increasing demand for biodiesel raw materials is expected to open up more prospective business opportunities for millions of oil palm farmers, boost domestic demand for Crude Palm Oil (CPO), and drive economic growth in palm oil-producing regions.

‘I appreciate the steps taken by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, who continues to oversee the gradual and measured implementation of B50. Certainty of execution is key so that the goal of strengthening energy independence, reducing fuel imports, and increasing the utilisation of domestic resource-based energy can be achieved optimally,’ Alfons stated in a written statement on Saturday.

Alfons also supported the government’s stance in emphasising the importance of compliance by all business entities with the B50 mandate. He believes that synergy between the government, business actors, and industry is a crucial factor in maintaining the programme’s sustainability while providing certainty for the development of the national bioenergy industry.

‘The success of B50 is determined not only by good policy but also by consistent implementation in the field. The better the execution, the greater the benefits felt by the community, ranging from foreign exchange savings, growing investment, developing the bioenergy industry, to job creation,’ Alfons asserted.