Gov’t to Secure Energy Reserves, Implement B50, Save Billions of Rupiah

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadila on a press conference, South Korea, on Tuesday (03/31).

The government has ensured national energy availability remains secure amid global geopolitical dynamics. This was conveyed by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, in a press statement to the media in Seoul, Tuesday (03/31).

Bahlil emphasized that national fuel reserves are currently above the minimum standards, covering various energy sources. He explained that this measure is the execution of President Prabowo Subianto’s policies and directives aimed at maintaining national energy security amid global uncertainty.

“Our fuel reserves are all above the national minimum standard. Both diesel and gasoline, including gas, aviation fuel, and LPG,” he said.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartanto stated that the government is accelerating the implementation of the B50 biodiesel program to achieve energy self-sufficiency and efficiency. The B50 policy will take effect starting July 1, 2026, he continued.

“Pertamina is set to implement the blending system, and this has the potential to reduce the use of fossil-based fuels by 4 million kiloliters,” Airlangga said.

The implementation of B50 not only reduces dependence on fossil fuels but also significantly impacts state budget savings. “In one year, actually in six months, there will be potential savings from fossil fuels and also savings in biodiesel subsidies, estimated at Rp48 trillion,” he explained.

The government has shown optimism that the implementation of the B50 biodiesel program will lead to a potential surplus in diesel reserves, along with the operation of the oil refinery project in East Kalimantan.

“With the implementation of B50, Insha’Allah, this year we will experience a surplus for our diesel. This will be good news once the RDMP (refinery development master plan) in East Kalimantan begins its operation,” Bahlil added.

To promote well-targeted energy distribution, the Government will regulate fuel purchases through the MyPertamina barcode system with a reasonable consumption limit of 50 liters per vehicle. However, this policy doesn’t apply to public transportation.

With a combination of secured reserves, policy innovation, and energy transition acceleration, Indonesia has demonstrated that the nation is not only surviving but also moving toward energy independence amid global uncertainty. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RD/LW)