From a fleet of modified diesel buses to a 194-kilometer hydrogen corridor, Indonesia is moving hydrogen development from the planning stage to practical implementation. This step is marked by the launch of the Hydrogen Diesel Dual Fuel Bus Pilot, or H2 DDF Bus, and the development of the Green Hydrogen Corridor connecting Jakarta, Karawang, and Patimban.
The two initiatives were introduced at the Global Hydrogen Ecosystem Summit (GHES) 2026, held from July 21-23, 2026, at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC). This forum brought together government, business entities, industry, academics, investors, research institutions, and international partners to accelerate the development of a national hydrogen ecosystem. Tuesday (July 21).
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, believes that hydrogen not only plays a role in the energy transition but also has the potential to strengthen national energy independence and self-sufficiency, as well as bolster downstreaming and industrialization.
"Hydrogen development aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's Asta Cita directive. Hydrogen is a crucial alternative energy source amidst uncertain global geopolitical conditions, such as the conflict in the Middle East, which has created uncertainty. This situation forces each country to protect its national energy needs by leveraging its respective comparative advantages," Bahlil said, beginning his remarks.
According to Bahlil, by developing an integrated hydrogen ecosystem from upstream to downstream, Indonesia will not only produce clean energy but also create added value domestically, increase the competitiveness of the national industry, attract investment, and open up new job opportunities and sustainable economic growth.
However, Bahlil acknowledged that hydrogen development still faces challenges, particularly its uncompetitive cost compared to other energy sources, including B50 fuel.
"The continued high cost of hydrogen-based energy poses a challenge for all of us in developing more efficient technology to be more competitive. However, I believe that with ongoing wars, uncertain geopolitics, and the increasing difficulty of obtaining oil from new blocks, it won't be long before hydrogen prices become much more competitive with other petroleum-based fuel sources," Bahlil explained.
Director General of New, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation (EBTKE), Eniya Listiani Dewi, stated that hydrogen development is aimed at supporting the decarbonization of the industrial, transportation, and electricity sectors, while simultaneously reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
"We currently have 93 hydrogen ecosystem development initiatives, with projects spread across Indonesia and generating investments totaling Rp32 trillion," Eniya said.
The government is also promoting hydrogen projects within its dedieselization program, including in Sumba, which is targeted to reach its commercial operation date (COD) in 2028, and on Rote Island through a partnership with PLN. The program is projected to reduce electricity production costs from US$1 to 25 US cents per kilowatt-hour.
The H2 DDF Bus is the First Step in Hydrogen Transportation
One of the technological applications introduced in GHES 2026 is the H2 DDF Pilot Bus. This diesel-powered bus, owned by Perum DAMRI, has been modified to run on a combination of diesel fuel and hydrogen gas.
The programme was developed through a collaboration between the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, PT PLN (Persero), and Perum DAMRI. Its implementation is supported by PT SUCOFINDO (Persero) as an independent testing, inspection, and certification agency, and PT Tritunggal Prakarsa Global as the bus pilot project implementer.
President Director of PT SUCOFINDO (Persero) Sandry Pasambuna said that his party is tasked with ensuring that the implementation of H2 DDF technology on DAMRI buses meets the aspects of safety, reliability, and technical suitability.
"As a Testing, Inspection, Certification and Consultation (TICC) company, SUCOFINDO acts as an independent party that ensures the implementation of H2 DDF technology on DAMRI buses meets the safety, reliability, and technical suitability aspects," said Sandry.
According to Sandry, verification and assurance processes are necessary to ensure hydrogen technology can be implemented safely, measurably, and in accordance with applicable standards.
The H2 DDF bus is equipped with 16 hydrogen storage tanks with a capacity of 50 liters each. The tanks have a nominal pressure of 200 bar and a working pressure of 150 bar. The hydrogen system is installed on a Hino bus with a 7,684 cc six-cylinder diesel engine.
Based on testing by PT SUCOFINDO (Persero), the H2 DDF system reportedly reduced opacity emissions by 57.66%, carbon monoxide by 45.45%, carbon dioxide by 39.37%, and nitrogen oxide by 21.16 percent.
The pilot bus was developed to reduce diesel fuel use, replace some fossil fuels with hydrogen, and reduce exhaust emissions without immediately replacing the entire fleet. (SF)
Read the original article from The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources on ESDM.