Minister Of Energy And Mineral Resources: The B50 Biodiesel Program Is Still In The Team Study Stage

JAKARTA - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia stated that the B50 biodiesel program is still under study by the team to reduce energy imports while at the same time encouraging the use of green energy in Indonesia.

Bahlil, on the sidelines of the 2024 Oil and Gas Safety Award Award Award award in Jakarta, Monday, October 7, said that currently Indonesia has completed the implementation of B35 and B40 biodiesels.

"Regarding the transition rather than reducing imports, now B35, B40 is almost ready. In various studies, which are still being studied now, yes, it is still being studied by the team, Pak Prabowo's thoughts, there is a possibility that it will be possible to become B50," said Bahlil, quoted from Antara.

According to Bahlil, this is the first step in the transition to more environmentally friendly energy and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.

The B50 study was carried out as a follow-up effort to achieve a significant reduction in energy imports and support the transition to green energy in the future.

Bahlil said that the current global trend leads to a shift from fossil energy, such as coal, to new and renewable energy, as awareness of green energy increases.

However, Bahlil emphasized that the transition to new and renewable energy faces major challenges, including the need for capital investment which is quite large in the green energy sector.

"On another aspect, we know that almost everyone in the world talks about green energy, there is a transition from coal fossils to new and renewable energy. This is a new challenge for us, at the same time we need a lot of capital investment costs," he said.

Nevertheless, the government is optimistic that with measured planning, Indonesia will be able to face these challenges, especially in relation to the net zero emission target by 2060.

"Well, this is a challenge for us, but for us now it's when we talk about net zero emissions in 2060, I think we still have enough time to take measurable steps," said Bahlil.

Bahlil added that although the challenges in terms of investment and technology are quite large, Indonesia still has time to prepare to achieve the net zero emission target by 2060.

The government continues to review various policies that support this energy transition, including the implementation of B50 biodiesel which is still in the study stage.

Bahlil stated that this step is in line with Prabowo's vision to strengthen energy independence and accelerate the transition to renewable energy in Indonesia.

"Ini tidak lebih karena apa? Kita akan mengurangi impor dan mendorong kepada green energy," imbuh Bahlil.

Previously, Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman carried out a trial of implementing B50 biodiesel in South Kalimantan, in order to realize national energy independence which is in line with Indonesia's vision towards future energy sustainability.

The trial titled soft launching Biodiesel B50 was carried out at the Biodiesel Factory of PT. Jhonlin Agro Raya, Batulicin, Tanah Bumbu Regency, South Kalimantan on Sunday (18/8).

According to the Minister of Agriculture, the trial implementation of B50 recorded the history of national energy independence which is Indonesia's big dream for the next 5-10 years.

"This is a big idea, the current President and the elected President, Indonesia is a food barn and independent of energy. These two powers can shake the world," said the Minister of Agriculture in a statement in Jakarta.

In the future, it is believed that the need for palm oil-based biodiesel is very large, especially for domestic consumption in realizing national energy resilience.