Indonesian government launches road tests in Jakarta before implementing B40 program
Updated: Aug 1, 2022
After two years, the government of Indonesia, through its Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, will increase the B30 program (30 percent biodiesel blend with diesel fuel) to B40 for diesel-powered vehicles. According to the energy ministry, this is in line with President Joko Widodo’s goal for biodiesel use to grow from B40 to B100.
“Indonesia is one of the pioneer countries in the use of biodiesel,” said Arifin Tasrif, Indonesia’s energy minister July 27 when launching B40 road tests in Jakarta. “We don't just stop at B30, so that with this we can minimize our balance-sheet deficit, because we know our fossil oil has started to decrease.”
He explained that before implementing the B40 program, a series of tests were needed to determine the quality of B40 products. “This road test is the final series of tests as a basis for considering the implementation of B40 and ensuring the [engines run well on the higher mixture],” he said.
The results of the B40 road test are expected to be completed by the end of the year, after which technical recommendations needed for B40 policy implementation can be produced.
Dadan Kusdiana, the energy ministry’s director general for new renewable energy and energy conservation, said road tests will be conducted on 12 vehicles.
“It consists of six diesel-engine vehicles weighing under 3.5 tons with a daily target of mileage of 560 kilometers and a total of 50,000 kilometers, then six diesel-engine vehicles above 3.5 tons with a daily target of mileage reaching 400 kilometers and a total of 40,000 kilometers,” the director general said.
The tests that will be carried out include handling and analyzing fuel consumption, testing the quality of fuel and lubricants, testing performance on the chassis dynamometer, testing the merit rating of vehicle components, and testing vehicle stability.