Prabowo Aims for Indonesia to Stop Importing Fossil Fuels with B50 and E50, What Is That?

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto discussed the potential for Indonesia to stop importing fossil fuels through B50 and E50.

"We are grateful that we have many other energy sources. We still have plenty of coal. We have abundant geothermal resources. Most importantly, we can produce diesel fuel from plants. Our biodiesel will be very helpful. We have achieved B50, and we are now striving to reach E50," said Prabowo at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (21/10/2026).

This statement was made during his speech at the Plenary Cabinet Meeting, marking two years of the Prabowo-Gibran administration.

Initially, Prabowo addressed the rising global oil prices, which are expected to continue increasing.

This year, he noted, Indonesia has only reached E10.

However, he predicts that Indonesia could eventually reach E50. If this is achieved, Prabowo stated, Indonesia will not need to import fossil fuels anymore.

"Perhaps in two years, we hope to reach E20, and in two years after that, we hope to achieve E50. Once we reach E50 and B50, God willing, we won’t need to import fossil fuels anymore," he explained.

B50 is diesel fuel containing 50% plant-based biodiesel.

In contrast, E50 is gasoline that contains 50% plant-based ethanol, or bioethanol.

Prabowo Grateful for Indonesia's Condition

Furthermore, Prabowo expressed gratitude that Indonesia remains in a good state amidst a challenging global environment.

"In the face of a world full of challenges, we are still grateful that we are relatively in good condition. Our food supply is stable. Our greatest achievement is that we have achieved food self-sufficiency rapidly," said Prabowo.

Prabowo explained the significance of food, noting that it can become a weapon in times of crisis.

He mentioned that even countries with money may not be able to buy rice from others during a crisis.

"We are thankful that we have achieved food self-sufficiency in a very difficult season. The drought in 2025 and 2026 was quite prolonged. We managed to be self-sufficient. We are facing El Niño. Later we will deal with La Niña. We already have contingency measures in place. With food self-sufficiency, we have relative resilience," Prabowo added.