PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA — A historic moment unfolded in Indonesia’s aviation industry as PT Pertamina (Persero) successfully carried out its first flight powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) derived from used cooking oil (UCO). Operated by Pertamina’s subsidiary airline, Pelita Air, the milestone flight departed from Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Terminal 3) to Bali on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
Pertamina’s President Director, Simon Aloysius Mantiri, emphasized that SAF represents both a commitment to green energy transition and a step toward greater national energy independence. “Pertamina SAF marks the beginning of a future business model for Pertamina and Indonesia. Through co-processing technology, we are able to produce internationally certified fuel from used cooking oil,” he said.
Produced at Pertamina’s RU IV Cilacap refinery, the SAF has already secured multiple global certifications—including the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC), CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation), and the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED). These certifications ensure that every stage of the supply chain—from UCO collection and refinery processing to fuel distribution—meets international sustainability standards.
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According to Simon, SAF made from UCO offers immense potential in cutting carbon emissions. “This product can reduce up to 84% of emissions compared to fossil-based jet fuel. Moving forward, we will expand the SAF ecosystem at other refineries such as RU II Dumai and RU VI Balongan. At the same time, Pertamina Patra Niaga will work to scale up public participation in UCO collection,” he explained.
Mochamad Iriawan, Pertamina’s President Commissioner, expressed his appreciation for all parties involved in making the inaugural SAF flight possible. “From the communities collecting used cooking oil, Pertamina Patra Niaga distributing it, the refineries processing it, to Pelita Air flying with it today—this is a collective achievement. We hope SAF will soon be used not only by domestic airlines but also international flights,” he said.
The launch event was attended by high-ranking government officials and key stakeholders, including Presidential Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. (Ret.) A.M. Putranto, Deputy Foreign Minister Arif Havas Oegroseno, and representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources as well as the Ministry of Transportation—signaling strong government support for Pertamina’s role in leading Indonesia’s energy transition.
With this milestone, Pertamina reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainability in line with Indonesia’s net zero emission target for 2060 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Beyond strengthening energy security, SAF also opens up opportunities for a circular economy, where communities play an active role in turning waste into clean energy for the future. (P2)
