<![CDATA[This study aims to analyze the characteristics of calcium oxide (CaO) produced from rice husks (Oryza sativa) through combustion, as well as to test its effectiveness as a heterogeneous catalyst in biodiesel synthesis using palm oil. The variables studied included rice husk particle size (mesh 60/80 to 140/160) and catalyst weight (5–25 grams). The transesterification process was carried out at 60°C for 3 hours with a methanol to oil ratio of 60:150 mL. Catalyst characterization was performed using FTIR, while biodiesel was analyzed based on biodiesel yield, viscosity, density, and flash point in accordance with SNI 7182:2015. The results showed that particle size and catalyst weight significantly affected catalyst performance and biodiesel quality. A mesh size of 100/120 with a catalyst weight of 15 grams produced the highest yield of 86.9%, with a viscosity of 3.92 mPa·s, a density of 0.860 g/cm³, and a flash point of 111°C. All biodiesel physical property test results met SNI standards. Therefore, CaO from rice husks proved to be effective and environmentally friendly as an alternative catalyst in biodiesel production.Keywords: Biodiesel, Calcium Oxide, Rice Husk, Transesterification, Heterogeneous Catalyst]]>
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