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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Energy & Infrastructure

KAI Reports Positive Initial Results from B50 Biodiesel Trials on Trains

From Tempo · (7m ago) Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Indonesian state railway company KAI is testing a B50 biodiesel blend on its locomotives and generators.
  • Initial results show good performance, with tests running smoothly without disrupting services.
  • The B50 blend, a mix of 50% biodiesel and 50% diesel, aims to strengthen energy independence and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

State-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is making strides in its commitment to sustainable energy with the ongoing trials of B50 biodiesel on its locomotives and generators. This initiative, part of a national push towards greater energy self-sufficiency and reduced reliance on fossil fuels, marks a significant step for the nation's transportation sector.

The B50 trial so far is proceeding according to procedure without disrupting train service operations.

— Feni Novida SaragihManajer Humas KAI Daop 6 Yogyakarta (Public Relations Manager of KAI Daop 6 Yogyakarta) Feni Novida Saragih stated that the B50 trial was running smoothly.

The early results from the B50 trials have been overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating good performance and reliability without impacting the operational schedule of KAI's services. This success is a testament to the rigorous testing and meticulous planning undertaken by KAI's Daop 6 Yogyakarta, which has provided full support through the provision of testing facilities and operational oversight.

The positive performance has been shown in terms of both reliability and readiness for wider implementation.

— Feni Novida SaragihFeni Novida Saragih highlighted the successful performance of the B50 biodiesel during the trials.

Beyond the environmental benefits of reduced carbon emissions, the adoption of B50 is strategically important for strengthening the railway's position as a greener mass transportation mode. This aligns with the government's broader objectives of bolstering national energy resilience and curbing the import of fossil fuels. The data collected from these trials, including extensive testing on long-distance routes and generators, will be crucial for the planned nationwide implementation on July 1, 2026.

All processes are carried out measurably and do not disrupt customer service.

— Feni Novida SaragihFeni Novida Saragih assured that customer service remains unaffected by the ongoing trials.

This transition to B50 is a continuation of Indonesia's progressive mandatory biodiesel policy, which has evolved from B2.5 in 2008 to B40 in 2025. The positive outcomes observed so far not only underscore KAI's dedication to environmental stewardship but also highlight Indonesia's innovative approach to leveraging its agricultural resources for energy needs, a narrative often overlooked in international discussions focused solely on fossil fuels.

The trial of B50 on trains is part of a national cross-sector testing before full implementation on July 1, 2026.

— Heru KuswantoDirector of Asset and Infrastructure Management KAI Heru Kuswanto explained the broader context of the B50 trials.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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