Cilacap, Central Java. Indonesia’s state-owned energy company Pertamina on Tuesday unveiled its first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) made from used cooking oil at its Cilacap refinery, marking a regional milestone in the shift toward greener air travel.

The launch is part of Pertamina’s commitment to supporting the government’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

“This is an extraordinary achievement by our nation, proving that we can deliver major breakthroughs and become pioneers in Southeast Asia,” Pertamina Chief Commissioner Mochamad Iriawan said in a statement.

According to Pertamina Vice President Director Oki Muraza, the fuel contains the highest percentage of vegetable oil and used cooking oil in the world.

The SAF production involves a broad supply chain within Pertamina’s subsidiaries -- from oil collection by Pertamina Patra Niaga, processing by Kilang Pertamina Internasional, to distribution and use by Pelita Air Service, an airline also owned by Pertamina.

Pertamina Patra Niaga, the company’s sales arm, and Kilang Pertamina Internasional, its processing unit, collaborated to ensure the product meets international standards. 

Pertamina Patra Niaga has obtained International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and certification under the European Union Renewable Energy Directive (RED-EU) -- making it the first sustainable aviation fuel distributor in Southeast Asia to earn such recognition.

“We invite the public to help collect used cooking oil so this program can deliver broader benefits,” said Pertamina Patra Niaga President Director Mars Ega Legowo Putra.

Pertamina Patra Niaga has three sustainable aviation fuel distribution facilities that have received international certification, located at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, and Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport in Jakarta.