Indonesia's Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman announced the country will stop importing diesel starting July 1, 2026, alongside implementing 50% biodiesel (B50) from palm oil. The step forms part of efforts to strengthen national energy independence.
Indonesia's Minister of Agriculture (Mentan RI) Andi Amran Sulaiman made the statement at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) Surabaya on Sunday, April 19, 2026. "Solar kita tidak impor lagi. Tahun 2026 pada 1 Juli kita stop, B50 masuk," he said.
Amran explained that using palm oil commodities as alternative fuels will support energy independence. Palm oil can be processed into diesel, gasoline, and ethanol, with development accelerating. "Ini energi masa depan Indonesia. Karena sumbernya dari sawit. Sawit jadi solar, sawit juga jadi bensin," he stated.
The government is preparing cooperation with PT Perkebunan Nusantara IV (PTPN IV) to develop palm-based gasoline on a small scale first. "Kalau ini berhasil, kita buka skala besar. Jadi masa depan Indonesia cerah," he added.
During the visit to ITS, Amran reviewed an electric tractor innovation deemed more cost-effective and efficient as it uses electricity, not diesel. The Ministry of Agriculture ordered 10 units for testing. "Traktor yang dibuat ini harganya separuh dari yang biasanya. Kemudian efektif, tidak menggunakan solar tetapi menggunakan elektrik, listrik. Jadi ini sangat hemat," he said. Amran was there for the keynote speech at the 133rd graduation in Grha ITS.
