Jakarta, INTI - Pertamina continues to strengthen its role in supporting Indonesia’s energy transition and national energy self-sufficiency through the development of the Cilacap Bioavtur/ Biorefinery Project, which produces Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) using Used Cooking Oil (UCO) as its main feedstock.
This initiative builds on the success of the Phase 1 TDHT Revamp in Cilacap, which previously converted waste cooking oil into SAF through a co-processing scheme.
With the development of Cilacap Biorefinery Phase 2, SAF production capacity is set to increase dramatically from 27 kiloliters per day to 887 kiloliters per day by 2029.
The biorefinery is being expanded in stages as part of Pertamina’s efforts to reduce reliance on fossil-based jet fuel while ensuring long-term sustainability of Indonesia’s aviation energy supply.
Pertamina’s Director of Portfolio Strategy and Business Development, Emma Sri Martini, emphasized the project’s strong strategic value in terms of energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
“The Cilacap Biorefinery is a strategic program initiated by President Prabowo and Danantara, in line with the Government’s Asta Cita Program, particularly point number two on energy self-sufficiency, downstream industrial development, and industrialization, as well as programs for economic equity and poverty eradication,” Emma said in an official statement on Monday, February 9, 2026.
Strengthening Energy Independence Through Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Emma further explained that the development of bio-jet fuel in Cilacap plays a critical role in strengthening Indonesia’s bargaining position to achieve energy self-sufficiency, enhance competitiveness, and drive national economic growth.
She emphasized that the Cilacap Biorefinery is also one of Danantara’s five downstream energy projects and aligns with Pertamina’s Dual Growth strategy, which focuses on expanding low-carbon businesses while continuing to strengthen its core operations.
To ensure the sustainability and global competitiveness of the SAF supply chain, Pertamina is building cross-sector collaboration from upstream to downstream, involving regulators, feedstock suppliers, producers, and offtakers as end users. This integrated approach aims to establish a resilient, sustainable, and internationally competitive SAF ecosystem.
The SAF development through the Cilacap Biorefinery also delivers significant multiplier effects. Economically, the project is projected to contribute up to IDR 199 trillion annually to Indonesia’s Gross Domestic Product. Environmentally, it is expected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 600,000 tons of CO₂ per year.
From a social perspective, the initiative is estimated to generate around 5,900 jobs and support a local content (TKDN) target of 30 percent. Pertamina has also launched community-based used cooking oil collection programs through several Beo Asri Waste Banks, including those in Tegalreja Village, Cilacap Regency, involving more than 2,900 households.
“This is one of the most comprehensive pilot projects, delivering many multiplier effects. It can reduce imports, lower the current account deficit, create jobs, produce green energy that cuts carbon emissions, and at the same time reduce pollution, helping improve public health,” Emma added.
Through the Cilacap Biorefinery initiative, Pertamina reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national energy resilience and independence while accelerating an inclusive and sustainable energy transition.
“The development of the Cilacap Biorefinery serves as a long-term foundation for technological mastery, enhanced national competitiveness, and strong synergy among all stakeholders in building a sustainable energy future,” Emma stressed.
As a leading company in the energy transition sector, Pertamina remains committed to supporting Indonesia’s Net Zero Emission 2060 target and advancing programs that directly contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
All of these efforts align with Pertamina’s ongoing transformation focused on governance excellence, public service, business sustainability, and environmental stewardship, through the implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles across all business lines and operations, in coordination with Danantara Indonesia.
Conclusion
The development of the Cilacap Biorefinery represents more than a technological milestone, it is a strategic foundation for Indonesia’s energy independence, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability. By integrating low-carbon innovation with strong stakeholder collaboration, Pertamina is not only reducing reliance on fossil fuels but also creating a competitive green energy ecosystem with broad social and economic benefits. As the nation moves toward its Net Zero Emission 2060 target, projects like this will play a crucial role in shaping a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
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