RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A House of Representatives’ Commission XII lawmaker Ratna Juwita Sari has urged the government to stabilize domestic palm oil prices. Reports indicate that the price of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) in several regions, including West Kalimantan, has declined.

Her statement came in response to the planned implementation of the B50 biodiesel blend on July 1, 2026. Ratna warned that unstable palm oil prices could harm farmers.

“This situation must not lead to a paradox where the state is striving to absorb more palm oil for energy security, yet farmers face price uncertainty that potentially causes them loss,” she said in a press statement in Jakarta on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Ratna also highlighted the need to accelerate the construction of methanol factory infrastructure to support the B50 program. “We must ensure that the policy is not implemented before the industry is ready,” she said.

She further encouraged the government to establish a clear roadmap, provide industry incentives, and conduct public education on the use of B50. “That way, B50 won’t just be an ambitious policy, but will truly succeed, and the people will feel its benefits,” Ratna added.

The plan to implement B50 in early 2026 has already been delayed, with the government deciding to continue with B40 instead. B40 is a blend of 40 percent palm-based vegetable oil and 60 percent diesel fuel, while B50 increases the palm oil portion to 50 percent.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto confirmed the delay earlier this year, noting that the government would continue with B40 in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive. “For B50, we must continue to conduct ongoing studies,” Airlangga said at an Indonesian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) event in Jakarta on January 13, 2026.

He added that the government is monitoring the price differential between crude oil and palm oil. “We will assess the price differential,” he said. Airlangga noted that studies on B50 will continue, including pilot tests for the automotive sector. “So, we are dependent on price dynamics,” he stated. (Gusti Panji/Lasti Martina)