Conduct B40 Road Test, Minister Of Energy And Mineral Resources: Indonesia Becomes A Pioneer In Utilizing Biodiesel

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif. (Photo: Doc. Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources)

JAKARTA - After 2 years, the government through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) will increase the B30 program (a mixture of 30 percent biodiesel in diesel fuel) for diesel-engined vehicles, to B40 (a mixture of 40 percent biodiesel). This is in line with President Joko Widodo's direction so that the use of biodiesel fuel can continue at B40 to B100.

"Indonesia is one of the pioneer countries in the use of biodiesel. We don't just stop at B30, so that with this we can minimize our balance sheet deficit, because we know our fossil oil has started to decrease," said Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif when launching the road test. use of B40 fuel in Jakarta, Wednesday 27 July.

Furthermore, he explained that prior to the implementation of the B40 program, a series of tests were needed to determine the quality. "This road test is the final series of tests as a basis for considering the implementation of B40 and ensuring the use of biodiesel can run well," added Arifin.

The results of the B40 road test, Arifin explained, are expected to be completed by the end of 2022 and can produce technical recommendations for B40 implementation policies.

Meanwhile, in his report, the Director General of EBTKE Dadan Kusdiana detailed 12 vehicles that will conduct road tests. "It consists of 6 diesel engine vehicles weighing under 3.5 tons with a daily target of mileage of 560 KM and a total of 50,000 KM, then 6 diesel engine vehicles above 3.5 tons with a daily target of mileage reaching 400 KM and a total of 40,000 KM. ," said Dadan.

Furthermore, Dadan explained that the tests that will be carried out during the B40 road test include handling and analyzing fuel consumption, testing the quality of fuel and lubricants, testing performance on the chassis dynamometer, testing the merit rating of vehicle components, and testing vehicle stability.

For information, the B40 road test is coordinated by the Directorate General of EBTKE and carried out by the Center for Oil and Gas Testing "Lemigas" by involving the Center for Survey and Testing of KEBTKE and the National Research and Innovation Agency through funding from the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS). and involving the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Industry, PT. Pertamina (Persero), PT. Pertamina International Refinery and PT. Pertamina Patra Niaga.