Jakarta, INTI - Researchers from the Applied Botany Research Center of Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) have identified Malapari (Pongamia pinnata) as a promising renewable energy crop due to its ability to produce vegetable oil suitable for biodiesel production and its potential as a feedstock for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
According to BRIN researcher Danu, Malapari is one of the country's most promising non-food bioenergy plants, offering opportunities to support Indonesia's transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
A Renewable Energy Crop with Environmental Benefits
One of Malapari's key advantages is its ability to grow on degraded and marginal land that is unsuitable for conventional food crops. The tree's nitrogen-fixing root system helps improve soil fertility, making it an effective species for both land rehabilitation and renewable energy production.
Beyond its value as a biofuel feedstock, nearly every part of the plant has commercial applications. The seed cake remaining after oil extraction can be processed into livestock feed, while its leaves are currently being studied as raw materials for cosmetic products through collaborative research with industry partners.
Supporting Bioenergy Commercialization
To accelerate the commercialization of its research, BRIN's Macropropagation Technology Research Group is working with companies and government institutions to establish Malapari plantations across several regions as a sustainable feedstock supply.
The cultivation program is being developed alongside the construction of processing facilities to ensure that industrial production can begin as soon as sufficient raw materials become available.
"We are expanding Malapari cultivation in several locations to secure feedstock supplies while simultaneously preparing processing facilities, allowing the industry to operate once production reaches the required scale," Danu explained.
BRIN has also successfully produced biodiesel derived from Malapari, demonstrating the plant's commercial potential as a renewable energy source.
Looking ahead, the agency hopes to increase public awareness of Malapari's role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels while supporting sustainable development. Danu noted that interest from international companies, including those from Japan, continues to grow, highlighting the plant's strong potential to become a globally competitive Indonesian bioenergy commodity.
The growing international demand further reinforces Malapari's prospects as a strategic renewable energy resource capable of supporting both Indonesia's bioenergy industry and the global transition toward cleaner fuels.
Conclusion
As demand for renewable fuels continues to grow, Malapari offers significant potential to support Indonesia's bioenergy transition. Through continued research, cultivation, and industry collaboration, BRIN aims to position the plant as a sustainable feedstock for biodiesel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), while contributing to energy security, environmental restoration, and a low-carbon future.
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