Jakarta. Indonesia’s state railway operator KAI has used 6.5 million liters of B50 biodiesel since May without reporting disruptions to train services in Greater Jakarta.

The fuel has been used to support 79 train trips and 49 power-generator cars operated under KAI’s Daop 1 Jakarta area. Its use began during a trial phase in May, ahead of the nationwide rollout of the B50 mandate.

Franoto Wibowo, public relations manager for KAI Daop 1 Jakarta, said periodic evaluations had found no technical damage to equipment caused by the new fuel.

The operator has nevertheless stepped up monitoring and inspections of locomotive engine components, particularly filters and fuel lines, to account for differences in the characteristics of the palm oil-based blend.

Franoto said passenger service remained the top priority during the transition to B50, adding that the fuel switch should not compromise safety, equipment reliability, punctuality or passenger comfort.

B50 is diesel fuel blended with 50% palm oil-based biofuel. Indonesia is the first country to mandate a 50% biodiesel blend for diesel fuel. The mandatory B50 program took effect in July 2026, following earlier trials of B30, B35 and B40 blends. The government aims to make B50 fully available at public fuel stations by Oct. 1. 

The government estimates the B50 program could save up to Rp 170 trillion in foreign exchange in 2026 by reducing diesel imports. Authorities are also monitoring potential long-term effects on engines, including possible declines in efficiency or component damage, in public transportation such as KAI trains and private vehicles.

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