RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia is transitioning its hydrogen development from planning to field application through a new green transportation initiative. The launch of the Dual Fuel Diesel Hydrogen (H2 DDF) pilot bus and the development of a 194-kilometer Green Hydrogen Corridor connecting Jakarta, Karawang, and Patimban mark a major milestone in the country's energy transition.

The initiatives were introduced during the Global Hydrogen Ecosystem Summit (GHES) 2026 at the Jakarta International Convention Center on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. The international forum brought together governments, businesses, researchers, and global investors to accelerate the national hydrogen ecosystem.

Indonesia's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, highlighted hydrogen's strategic role in strengthening national energy self-sufficiency amid global geopolitical uncertainties. He stressed that an integrated hydrogen supply chain will boost industrial competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and foster sustainable economic growth.

“Hydrogen development is in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita vision. Hydrogen is a critically important alternative energy source amid uncertain global geopolitical conditions, such as the conflict in the Middle East, which has created uncertainty. These conditions are forcing every country to safeguard its national energy needs by leveraging its respective comparative advantages,” Bahlil said in his opening remarks.

Although production costs remain a key challenge, officials expect hydrogen prices to become increasingly competitive against fossil fuels in the near future. Director General of New, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation Eniya Listiani Dewi noted that Indonesia currently manages 93 hydrogen development projects across the archipelago, representing an investment value of 32 trillion rupiah.

“We currently have 93 hydrogen ecosystem development initiatives, with projects spread across Indonesia that have generated Rp32 trillion in investment,” Eniya stated.

As part of the initiative, state bus operator Perum DAMRI modified a six-cylinder diesel bus to run on a mix of diesel fuel and hydrogen gas. Testing verified that the H2 DDF system significantly reduces emissions, cutting opacity by 57.66 percent and carbon monoxide by 45.45 percent compared to conventional diesel engines.