Airlangga Says Biodiesel B50 Will Start Trial In The Next 6 Months

Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto (Photo: Theresia Agatha/VOI)

Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto said biodiesel 50 (B50) fuel had undergone the road testing stage to be implemented next year.

"This is being carried out for the "road test" for the next 6 months," said Airlangga when met after the 2025 Daily Summit Investors event entitled "New Economic Order" at the Jakarta Convention Center, Thursday, October 9.

Airlangga said that his party would schedule a National Working Meeting of the Steering Committee (Komrah) with the Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP). This is because the implementation of B50 requires a supply of crude palm oil (CPO).

It is known, B50 is a type of renewable diesel fuel which is a mixture of 50 percent CPO and 50 percent conventional diesel (fossil). Therefore, the need for CPO must be coordinated with BPDP.

"Yes, we will schedule it later. (But), the road test is already running," he added.

Previously, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) was still reviewing the implementation of biodiesel 50 percent or B50 biodiesel fuel.

For this reason, the government will still implement B45 next year.

"B45 we have never conducted testing, but this is a study, indeed in the 5 percent segment as well. So, we are waiting for a study as well. Yesterday the new study was reporting, we are still critical," said Director General of New, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Eniya Listiani Dewi on Thursday, September 18.

While walking, Eniya ensured that he would continue to pursue the implementation of B50. The decision to implement B50 is still under the authority of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia.

"If I prepare according to the Minister's expectations. Prepare B50 technically, yes. Now the decision will be made, right, at the Minister's office after the study is complete," he explained.