ASIATODAY. ID, JAKARTA – PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional (KPI) has reaffirmed its full readiness to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at a larger scale, strengthening the nation’s pathway toward clean energy, industrial downstreaming, and long-term energy security.
The commitment was emphasized during a brunch talk themed “Kilang Pertamina for Indonesia: Driving Economic Growth, Downstreaming, Energy Transition and Security” held by E2S at Hotel Borobudur, Jakarta, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 ago.
Cilacap Green Refinery Becomes Indonesia’s SAF Production Backbone
KPI currently operates the Cilacap Green Refinery, which processes up to 6,000 barrels per day of used cooking oil (UCO). The facility produces Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with a projected total output of 300,000 kiloliters per year.
SAF from the Cilacap plant is expected to support the national aviation industry in line with Indonesia’s SAF Roadmap and National Action Plan. Pertamina’s SAF has already been tested in a commercial flight operated by Pelita Air Services on the Jakarta–Denpasar route in August 2025.
Expansion to Balongan and Dumai Refineries
According to Prayitno, Acting Director of Planning & Business Development and Director of Risk Management at KPI, the successful experience in Cilacap will be replicated in Balongan and Dumai refineries.
“The Cilacap unit is ready and capable of producing a 2.5% SAF blend component. We are securing clean UCO feedstock partnerships and preparing to build a dedicated UCO-based refinery,” he said.
In its initial phase, Pertamina targets production of 9 metric barrels of SAF with a 2–3% UCO composition.
Powered by Indonesian Technology and Global Standards
Pertamina’s SAF is produced using Co-Processing UCO technology supported by the locally developed Katalis Merah Putih catalyst. The product meets international aviation fuel standards ASTM D1655 and DefStan 91-091, making Pertamina the first SAF producer in Indonesia and Southeast Asia to achieve official certification.
In addition to UCO, KPI previously succeeded in producing SAF from Refined Bleached Deodorized Palm Kernel Oil (RBDPKO). This SAF was used in test flights in 2021 and 2023, including a commercial test flight with Garuda Indonesia on the Jakarta–Solo round-trip route.
Expanding Its Integrated Petrochemical Portfolio
KPI is also strengthening its petrochemical business through its partnership with PT Trans-Pacific Petrochemical Indotama (TPPI), which produces Heavy Aromatics used as solvent feedstock. TPPI currently processes up to 100,000 barrels per day of condensate or naphtha, yielding:
780,000 tons of Paraxylene per year
528,000 tons of Benzene per year
112,000 tons of Orthoxylene per year
140,000 tons of LPG per year
1 million tons of Light Naphtha per year
3.6 million barrels of Gas Oil per year
23.7 million barrels of Mogas annually
KPI’s petrochemical portfolio also includes the Polypropylene Plant in Plaju, the Paraxylene Unit in Cilacap, and the Olefin Conversion Unit (OCU) in Balongan.
Driving SDGs and Emissions Reduction
The Green Refinery project plays a crucial role in supporting SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By converting waste UCO into environmentally friendly fuel, Pertamina not only expands renewable energy availability but also significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
Prioritizing Operational Safety and HSSE Excellence
KPI continues to enhance its Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) performance through its Asset Integrity Management System, including reinforced detection systems and expanded lightning protection equipment across all refinery units.
“Safety and reliability remain our highest priority. We are continuously strengthening early detection to prevent accidents and fatalities,” Prayitno emphasized.
With its expanding SAF capabilities, Pertamina is positioning Indonesia as a rising leader in sustainable aviation fuel production, reinforcing national commitments to low-carbon development, industrial innovation, and future energy resilience. (AT Network)
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