Badung, Bali. In an effort to cut carbon emissions, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi announced the government's plan to gradually replace fossil-based aviation fuel with sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) or biofuels starting in 2027.

“We aim to not only switch from fossil fuels to eco-friendly aviation fuels but also to progressively enhance and adopt sustainable alternatives,” Sumadi stated at the Bali International Airshow 2024 in Badung, Bali, on Tuesday.

Sumadi acknowledged that the transition to SAF involves several challenges, including technical issues, funding, and marketing. “While the transition will be complex, we are working to establish an economic scale that will enable Indonesia to be a producer of SAF, not just a consumer,” he said.

The government is set to begin this transition in 2027, with further details to be refined as they address the necessary technological and financial considerations.

Indonesia’s commitment to SAF development, improving financial access, and strengthening partnerships aligns with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) goals for reducing CO2 emissions through low-carbon aviation fuels.

Sumadi expressed hope that the forum discussions would ignite dialogue and inspire progress in integrated airspace management, SAF production, and financing, contributing to a greener and more sustainable aviation industry.