April 27, 2026 | 10:01 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The use of B50 biodiesel has begun to be tested on locomotives and train generators. The trial yielded promising initial performance results, providing optimism for using the 50 percent biodiesel mixture in the railway sector.
The Public Relations Manager of KAI (Indonesian railway operator) Daop 6 Yogyakarta, Feni Novida Saragih, stated that the B50 trial has proceeded according to plan without disrupting train operations. According to her, positive performance has been demonstrated in terms of reliability and readiness for broader implementation.
Feni stated that Daop 6 fully supports the implementation of the trial through the provision of testing facilities, operational supervision, and coordination with stakeholders. She emphasized that safety and reliable travel remain priorities during the testing process.
According to Feni, the use of B50 is seen as strategic not only to support energy self-sufficiency, but also to strengthen the position of trains as a more environmentally friendly mass transportation mode. "The entire process is being conducted in a measured manner and does not disrupt customer service," she said on Monday, April 27, 2026.
The Director of KAI's Facility and Infrastructure Management, Heru Kuswanto, stated that the B50 trial on trains is part of the national cross-sector testing before full implementation on July 1, 2026. Testing includes evaluating the quality of fuel and lubricants, as well as the performance and durability of engines in locomotives and generators.
According to Heru, the railway sector is a focus because of its specific operational characteristics and high diesel fuel consumption. Testing on the generators takes place for approximately 2,400 hours on the Jakarta-Yogyakarta railway line, while on the locomotives for approximately six months on the Jakarta-Surabaya route. "The trial is conducted in stages and based on data to ensure national implementation readiness," he said.
The B50 program is a continuation of the mandatory biodiesel policy which has evolved from B2.5 since 2008, increased to B40 in 2025, and is now heading towards B50. This fuel is a 50 percent blend of diesel and plant-based oil.
KAI noted that the use of B40 in long-distance train services throughout 2025 resulted in approximately 127.3 thousand tons of CO2e carbon emissions from 47.4 million customers. Through B50, the government aims to enhance energy self-sufficiency, reduce fossil fuel imports, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
Read: Indonesia's KAI: All Locomotives and Gensets Now Run on B40
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