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This special flight was carried out by Pelita Air, a domestic airline and a subsidiary of PT Pertamina (Persero), marking a tangible milestone in the development of a full-fledged SAF ecosystem built by Pertamina from upstream to downstream. The UCO SAF ecosystem is being developed by Pertamina in preparation for the SAF mandate scheduled for 2027. This ecosystem includes used cooking oil (UCO) collection and distribution managed by Pertamina Patra Niaga, UCO-to-SAF coprocessing by Pertamina International Refinery, SAF distribution to aviation by Pertamina Patra Niaga, and SAF-powered flights by Pelita Air.

The SAF used for this flight is derived from renewable raw materials, such as used cooking oil, and is processed using the “Merah-Putih” catalyst—developed by Indonesian scientists and manufactured by the national catalyst producer, PT Katalis Sinergi Indonesia (KSI).

The resulting jet fuel, branded as Pertamina SAF, has undergone rigorous quality analysis. It meets international standards for jet fuel, including ASTM D1655, the latest Defstan 91-91 specifications, and Indonesian regulation SK DJM No. 70.K/MG.06/DJM/2025. This confirms that Indonesia, through Pertamina SAF, is capable of producing high-quality, sustainable fuel.

Strategic Collaboration with ITB

One of the key pillars in the development of SAF has been the strategic partnership between Pertamina and academic institutions, particularly the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). As a gesture of appreciation, ITB’s Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, M.T., along with the Red-White Catalyst Development Team and the Bioavtur Test Team, were specially invited to the event, acknowledging their long-standing collaboration and significant contributions to SAF development.

From the outset, ITB played a leading role as the technical coordinator for the SAF Bioavtur J2.4 commercial flight test, working in collaboration with the Directorate General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE), with funding support from the Indonesia Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS). The ITB team participated in a series of activities including ASTM-standard fuel quality testing, static engine testing, and in-flight testing using commercial aircraft.

ITB’s contribution to the development of locally-produced catalysts and SAF testing highlights the importance of synergy between academia and industry. This innovation is expected to accelerate clean energy adoption and strengthen national technological self-sufficiency.

All production and distribution activities within the SAF ecosystem have obtained the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). This includes UCO collection, UCO-to-SAF coprocessing, and SAF distribution. Pertamina’s coprocessing facility has also received certification under the European Union Renewable Energy Directive (RED-EU). This recognition positions Pertamina as the first fully integrated SAF ecosystem in Southeast Asia to achieve such international accreditation.

Towards a Greener Indonesian Sky

Through this special flight, Pertamina introduces SAF as an emerging energy technology and reinforces its commitment to supporting the government’s Asta Cita vision in achieving energy resilience and sustainability. This initiative positions Indonesia as one of the pioneers in SAF usage within Southeast Asia.

This flight, powered by a blend of jet fuel and recycled cooking oil, stands as proof that research-based local innovation can effectively address global clean energy challenges. The strategic collaboration between Pertamina and ITB demonstrates Indonesia’s capability to lead in sustainable aviation technology within the national aviation sector.