Showing Positive Results in Flight Testing, Pertamina Patra Niaga Prepares Infrastructure to Distribute SAF in Indonesia

Jakarta, October 13, 2023 - After successfully passing static tests, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has also cleared its ground test and its first flight test. The ground and flight tests for SAF were conducted on Wednesday, October 4, on a commercial Boeing 737-800 NG with the registration number PK-GFX, owned by Garuda Indonesia, and yielded positive results.

In preparation to become a SAF supplier, Pertamina Patra Niaga played a significant role in the ground and flight tests’ success, carried out in collaboration with the Directorate General of EBTKE from the Ministry of EMR, the Ministry of Transportation, ITB, APROBI, BPDPKS, LEMIGAS, BRIN, Garuda Indonesia, and Garuda Facility Maintenance. Additionally, Pertamina Group's synergy, including Research & Technology Innovation (RTI) and Kilang Pertamina Internasional (KPI), supplied 11,203 liters of SAF for the tests.

"Pertamina Patra Niaga is responsible for preparing infrastructure and team competencies for the SAF distribution as an innovative aviation fuel for the aviation industry. We have already received SAF stock at the Soekarno Hatta Aviation Fuel Terminal & Hydrant Installation (SHAFTHI), and we are committed to maintaining the SAF quality to fulfill all testing requirements," explained Riva Siahaan, CEO of Pertamina Patra Niaga.

Researchers from PT LAPI ITB stated that the results of the ground and flight tests for SAF were positive, with the aircraft responding well and showing no significant differences compared to conventional aviation fuel Jet-A1.

"From the static test to the ground and flight tests, the SAF supplied by Pertamina Patra Niaga has consistently shown positive results. We hope to continue its development in collaboration with all parties involved, aiming to utilize it in commercial aviation. SAF will be marketed through PT Pertamina Patra Niaga for the Indonesian aviation industry," said Riva.

Riva also emphasized that SAF is a renewable energy blend, with one of its advantages being lower emissions and environmental friendliness. Pertamina Patra Niaga continues to prepare for SAF’s smooth distribution, considering its usage is part of the global energy transition agenda and has already been adopted by some airlines at various airports.

"Readiness to distribute SAF is Pertamina Patra Niaga's step towards providing better aviation fuel for the aviation industry in Indonesia. This also aligns with the Pertamina Group's commitment to energy transition programs and the goal of achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2060," added Riva.

Nicke Widyawati, President Director of PT Pertamina (Persero), also expressed that Pertamina, as an energy company, is continuously working to develop green fuels, including SAF, for the Indonesian aviation industry.

"SAF is the result of cross-functional innovation within the Pertamina Group, demonstrating our commitment to becoming a leader in renewable fuels development, particularly for aircraft. We hope SAF can soon be introduced into commercial aviation as a significant milestone in the green energy development in Indonesia and contribute to decarbonization efforts," said Nicke.

Pertamina, as a leading company in the energy transition, is committed to supporting the Net Zero Emission 2060 target by continuously promoting programs that directly impact the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievement. All these efforts align with Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) implementation across all Pertamina's business lines and operations.**