Jakarta: In a move to reduce reliance on imported fuel and bolster national energy security, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia met with President Prabowo Subianto on Sunday to report on the government’s flagship biofuel programs, reports JakartaGlobe.ID.
The discussion focused on two key initiatives: the B50 program, which uses a blend of 50% palm-based biofuel with diesel, and the E10 program, which mixes 10% ethanol with gasoline. These projects are central to the government’s strategy to diversify its energy sources using domestic materials.
“The President asked for an update on progress and implementation readiness,” Minister Bahlil stated following the meeting at the President’s private residence in South Jakarta.
The country’s biofuel initiative has already seen significant success with its B40 program, which mandates a 40% biofuel blend nationwide. The planned launch of B50 next year represents the next major step. Government data highlights that the biodiesel program has already saved an estimated $40.7 billion in foreign exchange by cutting fossil fuel imports between 2020 and 2025. Full implementation of B50 is expected to end the nation’s need for diesel imports completely.
The meeting also addressed plans to formalize the operations of thousands of small, community-run oil wells, often referred to as marginal wells. Bahlil reported on his recent visit to South Sumatra, where approximately 22,000 such wells each produce a small amount of oil daily.
“The President instructed that the legalization of community oil wells be prioritized,” Bahlil said, noting that properly regulating these wells could provide a significant boost to national oil production.
