Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Common questions about Media Biodiesel and the Indonesian biodiesel industry.
What is biodiesel?
Biodiesel is a biofuel made up of FAME (fatty acid methyl ester), produced from vegetable oil, in Indonesia mainly palm oil, through transesterification with methanol. It is blended into diesel and used in diesel engines. Read the full explainer.
What does B50 mean?
B50 means a blend of 50% biodiesel (FAME) and 50% diesel. B50 has been mandatory in Indonesia since 1 July 2026 under ESDM Ministerial Decree (Kepmen) No. 257.K/EK.01/MEM.E/2026, with all fuel stations due to sell B50 from 1 October 2026. The government describes 2026 as a transition period, with full B50 implementation starting in January 2027. Learn about B20 to B50.
Is B50 safe for my vehicle's engine?
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) reports that road tests of B50 in the automotive sector showed safe results. Users are advised to keep fuel tanks clean, drain water regularly and check fuel filters on schedule, especially early in the switchover, because biodiesel can loosen old deposits. See maintenance tips.
Did the Biosolar price rise after B50?
The government says the price of subsidised Biosolar stays at IDR 6,800 per litre during the transition to B50. The price gap for biodiesel in the PSO (subsidised) sector is covered by incentives from the Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP).
Who regulates and funds the biodiesel programme?
The blending mandate and volume allocations are set by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), including fuel specifications through the Directorate General of Oil and Gas and the Directorate General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE). Biodiesel incentives for the PSO (subsidised) sector are disbursed by the Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP, formerly BPDPKS), whose funds come from levies on palm product exports. Read the history.