Two Months In, Latest Update on B50 Biodiesel Distribution
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has reported that the national distribution of 50% Biodiesel (B50) reached 80% by the end of August 2026. The government now has only one month remaining before the full implementation of B50 biodiesel distribution begins on 1 October 2026.
Eniya Listiani Dewi, Director General of New, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) at the Ministry of ESDM, stated that the government is continuously increasing field supervision and evaluation to ensure safety and supply availability for the public.
“There is still one month left. From Pertamina’s side, it is already nearly 90%. If we consider the entirety, including private business entities, it is approximately 80%. Therefore, we will monitor the situation over the next month and increase our oversight, monitoring, and evaluation because we want to prepare B5/B50 carefully,” she stated recently.
Distribution progress within Pertamina’s network has been more progressive than the national average, approaching 90%. Eniya explained that B50 distribution has already reached Eastern Indonesia, including Papua, which is served through a single primary delivery point.
Previously, President Prabowo Subianto officially launched the diesel fuel type containing a 50% palm oil-based biofuel (B50) blend on Thursday, 9 July 2026. The inauguration of the B50 mandate is a strategic government agenda aimed at reducing dependence on fuel imports, particularly diesel, while strengthening the added value of national natural resources and maintaining Indonesia’s economic resilience and energy sovereignty.
The launch was attended by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, the Minister of Investment & Downstreaming and CEO of Danantara Indonesia Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, and the President Director of PT Pertamina (Persero) Simon Aloysius Mantiri, among other cabinet ministers.
In his address, President Prabowo stated that with the launch of the B50 programme, Indonesia officially becomes the first country in the world to implement a B50 biodiesel mandate. “Indonesia officially becomes the first country in the world to implement the B50 biodiesel mandate. This is not merely a technological achievement; it is proof that Indonesia is capable of utilising its own natural wealth for the benefit of its own people,” Prabowo explained during the launch event in Karawang, West Java.
“This is an important milestone in the journey towards energy independence,” added Prabowo. For the President, a nation’s independence and survival are determined by three factors: the ability to produce food for its people, the ability to possess its own energy sources without depending on other nations, and the ability to secure water resources.
“I am proud to be here today. Since before I was inaugurated as President, my core team and advisors have always been emphasised: we must achieve food self-sufficiency and energy self-sufficiency; we must not import fuel or food. Since my time as Chairman of HKTI and as Minister of Defence, my focus has been on managing this,” Prabowo asserted.
“With the words bismillahirrahmanirahim this afternoon, Monday, 9 July 2026, by the grace of God Almighty, I, Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia, hereby launch B50 biodiesel,” concluded Prabowo.