InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – The implementation of B50 biodiesel blending is projected to become a game changer in reducing diesel imports and strengthening Indonesia’s energy security, according to National Energy Council (DEN) member M. Fadhil Hasan.

Speaking at the 2026 Palm Biodiesel Journalist Workshop in Depok, Fadhil stated that B50 is not only an energy transition policy but also a broad economic strategy.

“B50 is strategic and pragmatic—reducing imports, saving foreign exchange, lowering emissions, and strengthening energy security, as long as it is managed sustainably,” he said.

He noted that the success of B40 in 2025 demonstrated biodiesel’s role as a strategic economic instrument. If B50 aligns with the completion of the Balikpapan refinery development (RDMP), diesel imports could decline significantly.

According to the Energy Ministry’s January 2026 release, Indonesia is projected to record a diesel surplus of four million tonnes annually starting this year.

However, Fadhil cautioned that biodiesel expansion must carefully balance CPO supply sustainability and food-versus-fuel concerns. (T2)