Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 17, Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil producer, is planning to introduce a regulation requiring all international flights departing from Jakarta and Bali to use a 1% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) starting in 2026, according to energy ministry official Edi Wibowo on Thursday. The initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to promote cleaner energy use in the aviation sector and support domestic biofuel development.

Trucks are seen near a palm oil plantation at a village located near Nusantara National Capital, in Sepaku, East Kalimantan province, Indonesia, March 8 2023.

Edi stated: “The regulation for the gradual implementation of SAF is currently being drafted, with a proposal that it will be started in 2026 with an initial implementation of 1%.” The proposed rule envisions a gradual increase in the SAF blend to reach 5% by 2035, reflecting Indonesia’s long-term commitment to sustainable energy transition while maintaining energy security.

State-owned energy company Pertamina has already begun producing sustainable aviation fuel this year using used cooking oil (UCO) as a partial feedstock in one of its refineries. The company is also planning to convert two additional refineries to process fuel derived from UCO, expanding domestic production capacity to meet anticipated demand from airlines and international routes.

The shift toward SAF is seen as a key step in reducing aviation’s carbon emissions while supporting Indonesia’s circular economy goals by reusing waste oils. Pertamina’s production plan aligns with the country’s strategy to increase the use of locally sourced bio-based fuels and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.

According to the Indonesia Palm Oil Strategic Studies think tank, the country has the potential to produce between 3 million and 4 million kilolitres of UCO annually, providing a strong domestic resource base for SAF production. This capacity could enable Indonesia to supply a significant portion of its own aviation biofuel needs while potentially creating opportunities for export in the future.

The government’s SAF policy is expected to encourage collaboration among fuel producers, airlines, and aviation authorities to ensure smooth implementation. It also supports Indonesia’s broader renewable energy goals and contributes to international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from air transport.

Industry observers noted that while the initial 1% blend represents a modest start, it lays an important foundation for the long-term development of Indonesia’s sustainable aviation fuel market. The gradual increase to 5% by 2035 aims to balance environmental objectives with economic feasibility and infrastructure readiness.

As one of Asia’s leading biofuel producers, Indonesia has been expanding its renewable energy portfolio through initiatives such as biodiesel blending and the use of palm oil derivatives in various energy sectors. The introduction of SAF requirements for international flights marks a new milestone in these efforts, reinforcing the country’s role in advancing sustainable fuel innovation and regional energy cooperation.

Overall, the proposed SAF regulation underscores Indonesia’s commitment to promoting cleaner energy in aviation, enhancing fuel diversification, and supporting industrial transformation through the use of renewable resources like used cooking oil.