Road tests yield safe results ahead of Indonesia’s July 1 implementation of B50 mandate
- Indonesia Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Amidst global geopolitical dynamics impacting rising energy prices, the government of Indonesia is accelerating the implementation of the mandatory 50 percent biodiesel (B50) program to address surging crude-oil prices.
The government has targeted the nationwide use of B50 to begin July 1.
To ensure that the implementation of B50 proceeds without hindrance, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is continuing trials for the use of B50 biodiesel fuel across all sectors—including the automotive sector—as part of a strategic move toward national energy security and a sustainable energy transition.
Eniya Listiani Dewi, the director general of new, renewable and energy conservation (EBTKE), stated that these B50 road tests began with laboratory testing in early 2025.
This was subsequently followed by trials involving the use of B50 in diesel engines, which commenced simultaneously in December across several user sectors—automotive, maritime transport, agricultural machinery and equipment, mining machinery and heavy equipment, railways and power generation.
Among these, the automotive sector serves as a primary focus to ensure readiness for B50 implementation—including through road tests conducted under daily operational conditions.
“In early 2025, we conducted technical laboratory tests, which were completed by the middle of last year,” Dewi said. “Subsequently, we held a kick-off event and simultaneously initiated trials across six sectors. Specifically automotive, mining, agricultural equipment, maritime, power generation and, finally, railways. These trials were carried out simultaneously starting on Dec. 9.”
She added that the entire testing process is being conducted in a phased and measured manner—encompassing various vehicle types and operational conditions—to ensure that technical standards, reliability and safety are fully maintained.
Upon completion of the road tests, the vehicles will undergo a comprehensive inspection to assess their performance and the impact of B50 fuel on their engines.
“By this coming May, all vehicles in the automotive sector—specifically those under 3.5 tons—are expected to reach their target of 50,000 kilometers,” she said. “Once the 50,000-kilometer mark is reached, a thorough inspection of all engines will be conducted. As for vehicles exceeding 3.5 tons, they have already successfully met their mileage target of 40,000 kilometers.”
As of April, preliminary results from the road tests indicate that the use of B50 in diesel vehicles is safe, with no significant issues or constraints detected.
The road tests for vehicles in the category exceeding 3.5 tons have been fully completed, having met their 40,000-kilometer mileage target.
Meanwhile, vehicles under 3.5 tons have currently reached the 40,000-kilometer mark—out of a 50,000-kilometer target—with their engines and fuel filters remaining in good condition and well within the limits of the standards recommended by the manufacturers.
The B50 road-testing initiative for automotive vehicles has been well received by the Association of Indonesian Automotive Industries (GAIKINDO).
GAIKINDO member Abdul Rochim responded positively to the preliminary road-test results, expressing his hope that the fuel standards and specifications currently under evaluation will be adopted for the upcoming implementation of B50.
“From GAIKINDO’s perspective, if the final results remain consistent with these preliminary findings, we would certainly be delighted,” he said. “Furthermore, we hope that the specific fuel specifications utilized in these tests will be designated as the official specifications for the future implementation of B50.”
The test results indicate that the quality of the B100 fuel—specifically for the 50 percent blend (B50)—meets the required specifications.
This is particularly evident in the parameters that underwent improvement—namely water content, monoglycerides and oxidation stability—in accordance with the recommendations of the Liquid Bioenergy Technical Committee.
Specifically, the maximum water content was reduced from 320 parts per million (ppm) for B40 to 300 ppm, maximum monoglyceride content was reduced from 0.5 percent by mass (for B40) to 0.47 percent by mass, and minimum oxidation stability was increased from 720 minutes (for B40) to 900 minutes.
Performance and fuel-consumption tests further demonstrated that vehicle performance remained stable, with fuel consumption falling within the manufacturer’s standard range and showing no significant decline in performance.
Emission-testing results indicated that the parameters for carbon monoxide (CO) and opacity remained below the limits prescribed by applicable standards.
Furthermore, evaluations of engine condition and operational aspects revealed that engine components, lubricants and the fuel system remained in good condition and in compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations throughout the testing period.
Furthermore, the government emphasizes that the development of B50 constitutes an integral part of a long-term strategy aimed at bolstering national energy independence and resilience through the utilization of domestic renewable energy sources.
As part of its commitment to achieving energy independence, the government said it ensures that every policy adopted is grounded in comprehensive, scientifically measurable test results, prioritizes the principle of prudence and takes into account all relevant aspects to deliver optimal benefits for both the public and the national economy.
