Jakarta, July 11 -- Indonesia's B50 biodiesel program could save up to Rp177 trillion (about US$10.9 billion) in foreign exchange, eliminate diesel imports and reduce carbon emissions by 44 million metric tons annually, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said.

The mandatory fuel blend, containing 50 percent palm oil-based biodiesel and 50 percent diesel, is also expected to strengthen the country's energy security, he said.

"President Prabowo Subianto has launched the B50 program. It proves Indonesia can become self-reliant because B50 will eliminate the need for fuel imports," Airlangga said on Friday.

"We will save Rp177 trillion in foreign exchange and support our net-zero emissions target by reducing 44 m...