Article

Pertamina, Indonesia's state-owned oil and gas entity, is steadfast in its commitment to advancing green energy initiatives, a strategic alignment with the national vision for energy independence under President Prabowo Subianto. At a recent sustainability forum in Jakarta, Vice President Oki Murza detailed the company’s dual growth strategy, which harmonizes the continuation of existing oil and gas operations with a robust push toward low-carbon business ventures.

The company's endeavors reflect a keen focus on sustainability, aiming to reduce emissions and protect the environment while fostering the development of requisite technologies for a green economy. Pertamina has already introduced various environmentally friendly fuel products, such as Pertamina Green, a blend of Pertamax and sorghum-based bioethanol, now available at 159 stations across regions including Banten and Yogyakarta.

Additionally, Pertamina is pioneering sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), which boasts an impressive 84 percent reduction in emissions. This innovative fuel is derived from used cooking oil, a resource plentiful in a nation with 280 million inhabitants, reflecting a promising opportunity for future SAF development.

Currently, Pertamina operates three refineries capable of producing SAF in Dumai, Cilacap, and Balongan, positioning itself as a potential global hub for this sustainable fuel. The company is also venturing into renewable diesel, producing B40 biodiesel from palm oil.

Beyond traditional oil and gas, Pertamina is exploring new avenues in renewable energy, particularly geothermal, with a significant potential of 24 to 26 gigawatts, though current utilization remains below 10 percent. The company aims to expand its geothermal capacity significantly by 2030, aspiring to establish Indonesia as a leader in this sector.

Moreover, Pertamina is launching a pilot project for green hydrogen in collaboration with Toyota Indonesia, demonstrating its commitment to innovative energy solutions. To address carbon emissions linked to its operations—approximately 500,000 to 600,000 barrels of oil produced daily—Pertamina is investing in carbon capture technologies, identifying several promising sites for CO2 storage across Java, Sumatra, and Kalimantan.

The recent Katadata Sustainability Action for the Future Economy (SAFE) forum, now in its sixth year, underscores the critical importance of green economic strategies in navigating climate challenges and enhancing national resilience. As the event unfolds, it emphasizes the pivotal role of sustainable development in fortifying Indonesia’s future.