TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Minister of Transportation, Budi Karya Sumadi, ensures Indonesia is still committed to developing an ecosystem for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). The minister conveyed the statement during the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Air Transport Forum 2024 at Nusa Dua Convention Center in Bali.

“We will boost the financial access and strengthen partnership to promote SAF in the green aviation revolution,” he said, as quoted from the written statement of the Ministry of Transportation on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

According to the minister, the Asia Pacific region holds a crucial role in global SAF development, considering the abundance of resources and the constantly evolving technology. This year, the Asia-Pacific Air Transport Forum raises the theme “Scaling Up SAF and Integrated Airspace Solutions for a Greener Future.”

The goal of SAF also parallels the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) agenda which currently pushes for lower carbon aviation fuels or LCAF to cut carbon dioxide emissions.

Budi Karya also hopes the forum could inspire global stakeholders to take action. "Your participation, expertise, and collaboration are crucial to achieving a greener and more sustainable aviation sector," he said, representing the Indonesian delegation.

Coconut Oil to Bioavtur

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources previously opened up the possibility of utilizing coconut oil as environmentally friendly aircraft fuel or bioavtur. The Head of the Bureau of Communication, Public Information Services, and Cooperation of the ministry, Agus Cahyono, said the transformation was “technically possible.”

"The SAF currently being developed utilizes used cooking oil or fat as raw material," he said when contacted by Tempo on July 23.

Citing the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the chemical and physical characteristics of sustainable aviation fuels are almost identical to conventional jet fuel. This green fuel can be safely mixed with conventional jet fuel, with varying levels and dosages. The aviation industry could even use existing supply infrastructure, without the need for adaptations in terms of aircraft or engines.

YOHANES PASKALIS | BAGUS RIBADI

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