InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture is stepping up efforts to expand renewable energy use in the agricultural sector by developing biodiesel and testing its application in agricultural machinery (alsintan).

Quote InfoSAWIT from Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture, on Tuesday (21 April 2026), this initiative forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen national energy independence while advancing sustainable agricultural modernization.

The development is supported by hybrid biodiesel bioreactor technology designed by the Agricultural Assembly and Modernization Agency (BRMP), enabling more efficient and flexible processing of vegetable oils into biodiesel.

Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman stated that biofuel development is a strategic move to enhance energy resilience while increasing the value of domestic commodities.

He revealed that 5.3 million tons of CPO have been converted into biofuel, eliminating the need for diesel imports this year under direct presidential instruction.

The implementation of biodiesel, including the B50 program, is expected to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while strengthening downstream processing in agriculture and plantations.

Field trials conducted in early April 2026, in collaboration with LEMIGAS, showed that B50-powered agricultural machinery—including two-wheel tractors, four-wheel tractors, and water pumps—performed reliably.

Testing covered key parameters such as engine performance, fuel efficiency, operational stability, and cold-start capability after storage periods. Results indicated compliance with Indonesian National Standards (SNI).

The Ministry remains optimistic that integrating bioreactor innovation with field applications will improve efficiency, reduce fossil energy reliance, and support sustainable agriculture aligned with the national B50 program. (T2)