..business entities are currently improving B50 specifications, particularly the FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) component blended with diesel fuel supplied by Pertamina Patra Niaga,Yogyakarta (ANTARA) – The Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ministry has begun testing the use of B50 fuel in train diesel engines, including trials at the Lempuyangan Railway Supervisory Unit (PUK) in Yogyakarta.“The railway sector is undergoing two tests. From Lempuyangan to Jakarta, we’re testing the generators. As you can see, the generators will run for 2,400 hours,” said Eniya Alistiani Dewi at the Lempuyangan PUK in Yogyakarta on Monday.She explained that B50 is a blend of 50 percent diesel fuel and 50 percent biodiesel. Additional tests are also being conducted on locomotives operating on the Surabaya–Jakarta route over a six-month period.“The final test phase for B50 use on railways will take place in October 2026. We’re conducting tests under real-world conditions to evaluate the results,” she said.Dewi noted that B50 utilization tests have been underway since last year in preparation for its planned implementation on July 1, 2026. Road tests under real-world conditions began on December 9, 2025, following a series of technical laboratory assessments.“Since December 9, we have carried out a full series of implementation tests across the automotive, mining, agricultural equipment, shipping, and generator sectors. Most recently, we began railway tests after Eid al-Fitr. This is the first time we’re testing B50 on trains,” she said.She added that the B50 program has been in development for 15 years and is unique to Indonesia, which currently leads the world in its implementation. According to Dewi, other countries are looking to Indonesia as a reference for B50 adoption, as there are few global precedents.Therefore, she emphasized that the current testing phase is critical and must be carried out now. She expressed hope that the trials will proceed smoothly and allow the public to observe the process.“It’s important to note that business entities are currently improving B50 specifications, particularly the FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) component blended with diesel fuel supplied by Pertamina Patra Niaga,” she said.Meanwhile, Heru Kuswanto from PT Kereta Api Indonesia expressed appreciation to all parties involved in implementing B50 trials in the railway sector.“The main objective of B50 biodiesel—a blend of 50 percent palm oil and 50 percent diesel—is to strengthen national energy security and promote more sustainable green energy,” he said.He added that the strategic benefits of the B50 program include supporting energy independence, reducing carbon emissions, enhancing economic resilience, diversifying energy sources, and optimizing domestic resources.PT KAI is supporting the implementation of B50 through trials on the Bogowonto train. The company will collaborate with the ESDM Ministry and Lemigas to evaluate the performance of locomotive engines and generator sets under heavy loads using both B50 and B30 fuels.