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PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, the commercial and trading subholding of Indonesia's state-owned energy giant Pertamina, has officially transitioned to the commercial production stage of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) derived from used cooking oil (UCO). The initiative, centered at the Cilacap Green Refinery in Central Java, marks a significant milestone in Indonesia's efforts to integrate household waste into the global aviation energy chain.
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited the refinery on Monday, October 26, 2026, to inspect the facility's progress in converting waste oil into 'bioavtur.' Taufik Aditiyawarman, Vice President Director of Pertamina Patra Niaga, confirmed that the project leverages the refinery's existing thermal distillate hydro-treating (TDHT) unit. This unit processes UCO alongside other feedstocks, with waste oil currently accounting for up to 5 percent of the unit's total production capacity.
'We have reached the commercial production stage at the Cilacap Green Refinery, producing approximately 11 million liters of co-processed SAF this October,' Taufik stated in a press release on Tuesday. He emphasized that the achievement is part of a broader strategy to optimize existing industrial infrastructure for sustainable energy outputs.
During his visit, Vice President Gibran emphasized the social dimension of the project, noting that SAF development must empower local communities. He highlighted that oil collection through local 'waste banks'—often managed by women's groups—should generate tangible economic benefits. This model ensures that environmental management provides an additional income stream for residents while supplying domestic industries.
Pertamina Patra Niaga has established a structured collection network involving three primary waste banks near the Cilacap facility: Beo Asri, Abhipraya, and Cahaya Asri. Annual collection figures show Abhipraya gathering 984 liters, Beo Asri 2,283 liters, and Cahaya Asri 717 liters. To further facilitate the circular economy, Pertamina installed collection points at local markets where residents can exchange used oil for cash or electronic wallet credits.
Beyond aviation fuel, the company has also successfully tested UCO as a feedstock for green gasoline production. Pertamina's SAF is currently being marketed to both domestic and international airlines, reinforcing Indonesia's commitment to waste recovery technology and a sustainable energy ecosystem.
Source: ANTARA News