As the global aviation industry faces increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, the search for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as an alternative to conventional jet fuel has intensified. Indonesia, with its vast resources and strong commitment to renewable energy, is at the forefront of this global effort.

One of the most promising pathways is the conversion of Used Cooking Oil (UCO) into SAF. UCO, a waste product that is often underutilized, holds significant potential as a SAF feedstock, offering a dual benefit: reducing waste and lowering greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector.

Indonesia has now turned this potential into a reality. In 2025, Pertamina successfully commenced SAF production from UCO. This monumental achievement was followed by the successful inaugural flight utilizing UCO-based SAF, in collaboration with the airline Pelita Air. This success not only proves technical feasibility but also marks a significant step for Indonesia in the energy transition within the aviation sector.

This talk show session aims to delve into this success story, exploring the challenges, opportunities, and strategic actions necessary to further accelerate the development and implementation of UCO-based SAF in Indonesia. By fostering dialogue among key stakeholders—including government officials, industry leaders, and environmental experts—the session seeks to build a collaborative roadmap for advancing Indonesia’s renewable energy ambitions, particularly in the aviation sector. The discussion will focus on the lessons learned from the 2025 production and inaugural flight, adaptive regulatory frameworks, and the economic viability of scaling up UCO as a sustainable fuel source.