21/08/2025 (Independent Observer), Jakarta -  PT Pertamina (Persero) has made history in Indonesia’s aviation industry by launching its first-ever flight powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) made from Used Cooking Oil (UCO). The milestone event took place at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta, on August 20.

Pelita Air, Pertamina’s subsidiary airline, operated the inaugural Jakarta–Bali flight. This trial marks an important step in introducing eco-friendly fuel into Indonesia’s aviation ecosystem, paving the way for sustainable air travel in the future.

The initiative has received full support from the government. Deputy Foreign Minister Arif Havas Oegroseno praised Pertamina’s Special Flight using SAF, noting Indonesia’s strong potential to become a global leader in the field.

“Indonesia has the opportunity to take the lead in advancing SAF. In the future, as a producer, we should also position ourselves as a hub for both policy and market development, expanding not only through Pelita but also across domestic and international markets,” Arif said.

He also highlighted this remarkable inaugural flight, as Pelita Air used Pertamina’s SAF derived from used cooking oil. The program aims to cut carbon emissions in aviation while strengthening the circular economy as part of Indonesia’s transition toward clean energy.

Pertamina’s SAF is the result of collaboration among PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional, PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, and PT Pelita Air Service. Beyond being a technological breakthrough, this innovation underscores Pertamina’s commitment to supporting Indonesia’s decarbonization goals and its Net Zero Emission 2060 target.

SAF made from used cooking oil is a real step toward greener aviation. It can reduce carbon emissions by up to 84 percent compared to conventional jet fuel, while at the same time promoting the circular economy and reinforcing national energy resilience.

https://observerid.com/indonesias-first-flight-powered-by-used-cooking-oil-saf-takes-off/