Jakarta: Indonesian state-owned energy company Pertamina and U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the development of a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry in Indonesia, supporting the country’s efforts to reduce emissions from the aviation sector.
According to a statement issued by Pertamina, the agreement will focus on identifying suitable feedstock sources, advancing SAF production technologies and supporting the development of policies for the aviation fuel sector.
Pertamina President Director Simon Aloysius Mantiri said the collaboration is expected to accelerate the growth of a competitive SAF industry while creating greater economic value for Indonesia.
Boeing Indonesia Managing Director Indra Duivenvoorde said Indonesia has the potential to become a regional leader in sustainable aviation fuel production.
Boeing estimates that passenger traffic in Southeast Asia will grow by around 7% annually through 2044, driving demand for nearly 4,900 new aircraft. The company said wider adoption of sustainable aviation fuel will play an important role in reducing emissions from the aviation industry.
Pertamina has already launched several initiatives to support the development of SAF, including fuel production and certification programmes, the use of SAF by its subsidiary Pelita Air, and the Cilacap Biorefinery project, which is producing sustainable aviation fuel using used cooking oil and other waste-based feedstocks.
