Indonesia has achieved a historic milestone in sustainable aviation by launching Pelita Air’s inaugural Jakarta–Bali flight powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) derived from used cooking oil (UCO), locally known as jelantah. This initiative, led by PT Pertamina (Persero) in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, aligns with President Prabowo’s priority program Asta Cita, which emphasizes energy security, independence, and clean energy transition.
According to Dadan Kusdiana, Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, SAF represents not only an environmentally friendly solution but also a step toward strengthening national energy self-sufficiency. Pertamina stated that UCO-based SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 84 percent compared to fossil aviation fuel, offering the aviation industry a concrete pathway to lower its carbon footprint without compromising safety or performance standards.
The SAF, developed at Pertamina’s Cilacap Refinery Unit IV, meets both national standards outlined in Decree No. 70/2025 and international benchmarks ASTM D1655 and Defstan 91-091. To ensure reliable feedstock, Pertamina has established 35 collection points across strategic locations, encouraging public participation in UCO recycling by offering financial incentives. This community-based model not only supports sustainability but also improves waste management practices.
Pertamina’s journey toward SAF innovation began in 2021 in collaboration with the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). Early trials included a test flight with a Dirgantara Indonesia CN235-200 FTB aircraft on the Bandung–Jakarta route, followed in 2023 by a Garuda Boeing 737-800 test on the Jakarta–Solo–Jakarta route. These successful trials paved the way for today’s commercial application, confirming SAF’s readiness for broader use in Indonesia’s aviation sector.
KPI President Director Taufik Aditiyawarman emphasized that this development symbolizes a tangible step in Indonesia’s clean energy transition, proving the nation’s ability to produce future-ready aviation fuel domestically. He noted that Pertamina SAF, produced using co-processing technology with the locally developed Merah Putih Catalyst, not only meets but also exceeds global aviation safety requirements. For instance, its freezing point performs better than international standards, ensuring fuel stability even in extreme flight conditions.
Furthermore, Pertamina SAF has secured ISCC CORSIA international sustainability certification, validating it as the first Indonesian-produced sustainable bioavtur made from UCO. Plans are already underway to expand SAF production at Pertamina’s Dumai and Balongan refineries, broadening supply capacity.
Despite this milestone, challenges remain, particularly in advancing bioethanol development and strengthening inter-agency collaboration. While Indonesia has established itself as the world’s leading biodiesel producer, further innovation is required to replicate similar success in other bioenergy sectors.
Overall, the launch of SAF-powered flights demonstrates Indonesia’s leadership in sustainable aviation within Southeast Asia. It marks a significant stride toward reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy independence, and positioning the country at the forefront of the global green energy transition.
August 23, 2025, detikFinance
(https://finance.detik.com/energi/d-8073578/pertama-di-indonesia-minyak-jelantah-jadi-bahan-bakar-pesawat)
(https://finance.detik.com/energi/d-8075020/sejarah-maskapai-ri-terbang-pakai-bahan-bakar-olahan-minyak-jelantah)