Minister Lahadalia Confirms B40 Program to Launch in Early January 2025

Jakarta, VIVA – Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia announced that Indonesia is set to roll out its B40 biodiesel program starting January 1, 2025.

“The B40 product has completed testing and is ready to go live on January 1, 2025,” Minister Lahadalia stated on Sunday (Nov 3).

He also highlighted the government’s broader ambition to eventually reach B100 biodiesel, a milestone on the path to energy independence.

“We’re developing the framework for B100, and of course, it will be a gradual process. We’ll keep reporting on its progress,” the minister noted.

Currently, Indonesia requires the use of B35 biodiesel, which has been in effect since February 1, 2023. B35 is a blend of 35 perent Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) from palm oil and 65 percent conventional diesel.

The government plans to boost the biodiesel blend further by raising the palm oil content to 40 percent (B40), with an eye toward eventually moving to B100.

Earlier, the Director General of New Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) at the Ministry, Eniya Listiani Dewi, confirmed that the mandatory B40 program is on track to launch in January 2025.

Preparations are underway, including developing infrastructure like ports, distribution networks, and logistics, with the goal of completing these by December 2024.

“We have a lot to set up—ports, distribution channels, logistics. The industry needs to prepare as well, and investments will require significant funding,” Dewi said.

Alongside B40, the government is also looking into B50 biodiesel. Studies on engine performance with B50 have been conducted, and trials are already underway, including one led by Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman in South Kalimantan.