Optimization of Domestic Potential Thru B50 to Strengthen Energy Resilience

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Member of Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Meitri Citra Wardani, emphasized the acceleration of the B50 biodiesel program implementation. This is a strategic step in strengthening national energy resilience amid global pressures.

She revealed that the Indonesian energy sector is currently facing serious challenges from upstream to downstream. In the upstream sector, the realization of Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) from oil and gas until February 2026 recorded a contraction of 36.3 percent year-on-year due to a natural decline in production from old wells.

"The challenging upstream conditions have resulted in a high dependence on imports." In 2026, gasoline imports are projected to still reach 59 percent of national needs, while LPG has already reached 83.97 percent," Meitri said in a written statement to Parlementaria, in Jakarta, Thursday, April 9, 2026.

According to her, this dependency is becoming increasingly risky amid global geopolitical dynamics, including disruptions to strategic energy distribution routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. Efforts to diversify import sources are deemed important, but they are still short-term in nature.

"The fundamental long-term solution is to optimize domestic potential thru B50," she conveyed.

He added that Indonesia has the advantage of being the world's largest producer of crude palm oil (CPO), with production reaching 46–50 million tons per year or more than 50 percent of the global supply. This potential is considered a significant asset to drive energy independence.

"B50 is an instrument to transform resource advantages into the key to energy self-sufficiency," Meitri stated.

Furthermore, Meitri believes that the implementation of B50 can reduce diesel imports, which are still around 6.26 percent at the beginning of 2026. In addition to strengthening energy supply, this policy is also considered to play a role in maintaining the stability of domestic energy prices.

"B50 is not just a technical program, but an economic cushion for the community. With independent energy, we have stronger control over price stability," she said.

She also highlighted the importance of infrastructure readiness, including distribution and refineries, to support the optimal implementation of B50. The optimization of domestic refineries, such as the RDMP Balikpapan, is deemed necessary to be continuously strengthened.