Jakarta – Indonesia is taking a significant step towards green transportation with the launch of the use of 40 per cent biodiesel (B40) from palm oil on trains. The program marks a new chapter in the country’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and increase the use of renewable energy in the transportation sector.
Head of the New Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) Policy Survey and Testing Center at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR), Harris, announced that the use of B40 will begin in the non-automotive sector, specifically on trains.
“Indonesia has been successful with B35 and today the use of B40 in the transportation sector is being launched. But now it is still in trains first,” Harris said in an official statement, on Tuesday, July 22.
The program is a continuation of a government initiative that began in 2023 with the blending of palm oil-based biodiesel into diesel oil at 35 per cent (B35). Harris said that only Indonesia has implemented B35 starting from 2021 to 2024, and will move up to B40.
“But now we are still waiting for further processes such as testing and others.”
Previously, the Director General of EBTKE at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Eniya Listiani Dewi, said that the plan to implement B40 was on schedule. Trials for the automotive sector have been completed, and the focus is now shifting to the non-automotive sector.
“Now only non-automotive is confirmed. Until December,” he said.
According to Eniya, after the test is completed and synchronization of discussions, including increasing production capacity, B40 is expected to be implemented as early as mid-2025.
“From our prediction, after the test is completed, then there is a synchronization discussion because there needs to be an increase in production capacity. Then later at the handover points, the reservoirs will begin to be enlarged so that they can increase from 35 to 40. Well, maybe even if it takes time, it will be mid-2025 at the earliest. If it can be smooth, everything is prepared,” he explained.
The launch of B40 on trains in Indonesia pioneers the use of biodiesel, showing that environmentally friendly transportation can be realised through sustainable and innovative policies. (Hartatik)
