InfoSAWIT, KARAWANG – Indonesia has officially launched its mandatory B50 biodiesel program, making history as the first country in the world to implement a nationwide mandate requiring diesel fuel to contain 50 percent palm oil-based biodiesel.
President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated the program at the KM 57 Rest Area in Karawang, West Java, on Thursday, describing the initiative as a milestone in strengthening Indonesia's energy sovereignty while reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Carrying the theme "A Concrete Step Toward National Energy Independence and Security," the ceremony highlighted the government's long-term commitment to maximizing domestic renewable energy resources derived from palm oil.
Before the official launch, President Prabowo toured an exhibition showcasing Indonesia's biodiesel technology, production process, and the economic and environmental benefits of the B50 program.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia said the B50 mandate represents a major step in realizing the government's vision of energy self-sufficiency under President Prabowo's Asta Cita agenda.
According to Bahlil, Indonesia's annual diesel consumption reaches approximately 38–40 million kiloliters, with around 3–4 million kiloliters previously supplied through imports.
"With the implementation of B50, Indonesia no longer imports diesel fuel. This marks a historic achievement in our journey toward national energy independence," Bahlil said.
President Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia's position as the first nation to implement mandatory B50 demonstrates the country's ability to transform its abundant natural resources into strategic energy assets.
"This is not merely a technological achievement. It proves that Indonesia can utilize its own natural wealth to serve its people while strengthening national energy security," the President said during his address.
He added that the program is expected to significantly reduce fuel imports, enhance the added value of Indonesia's palm oil industry, accelerate downstream industrial development, and contribute to long-term economic resilience.
The official launch was marked by the activation of a ceremonial siren, symbolizing the nationwide implementation of the B50 biodiesel mandate.
President Prabowo was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry Rosan Roeslani, and PT Pertamina President Director Simon Aloysius Mantiri.
The B50 mandate reinforces Indonesia's ambition to expand renewable energy utilization while strengthening the country's palm oil sector as a strategic pillar of national energy security. (T2)
