Indonesia Advances in Sustainable Aviation Fuel Development Through Palm Oil Utilization

Indonesia is not only implementing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) usage in the aviation sector but is also playing a significant role in developing its national SAF industry. With abundant plant resources, particularly palm oil, the country has great potential for SAF production, utilizing various feedstocks such as crude palm oil, used cooking oil, and empty palm fruit bunches. Recent innovations in biofuel technology have been supported by the government, resulting in successful production initiatives and blending rates that demonstrate the viability of palm oil as a sustainable resource.

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Published Sep 17, 2025

HYDROGEN

Indonesia is making strides in the field of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by harnessing its rich biodiversity, particularly palm oil, to not only implement SAF in aviation but also to nurture its domestic SAF industry. The nation's wealth of plant resources positions it well for the development of bioavtur, a promising variant of SAF.

Palm oil has emerged as a key feedstock for SAF production due to its chemical similarity to fossil fuel hydrocarbons. The fatty acids derived from palm oil can be transformed into bioavtur through advanced technologies such as hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA).

The Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP) has been instrumental in facilitating research innovations via its Grant for Palm Oil Research Program (GRS). This initiative has led to significant advancements in bioavtur derived from palm oil, achieving noteworthy blending rates for aviation fuel.

In a notable development, Pertamina International Refinery (KPI) in Cilacap successfully produced bioavtur using refined, bleached, and deodorized palm kernel oil (RBDPKO) in 2021. Employing a co-processing technology alongside the innovative "Merah Putih" catalyst, the refinery achieved a blending rate of 2-4 percent with conventional fossil fuels.

This accomplishment underscores Indonesia’s potential to lead in sustainable aviation fuels, leveraging its local resources to create environmentally friendly alternatives for the aviation industry. As the country continues to innovate and expand its biofuel capabilities, the future of aviation fuel may increasingly rest on the foundation of palm oil.