Indonesia conducts test flight using jet fuel mixed with palm oil

In Indonesia, Reuters reports that Indonesia conducted its first test flight using jet fuel partially from palm oil, a senior minister said, as the country plans to commercialize the fuel as it seeks creative ways to use the edible oil domestically. The plane flew more than 100 km (62.14 miles) from the capital Jakarta to neighbouring city, Bandung.

“Indonesia, as the largest producer, of course needs to innovate the use of palm oil, including in the development of biodiesel, bio jet fuel and also continuing the D100 program,” economic minister Airlangga Hartarto told a virtual conference, referring to diesel made entirely from palm oil developed by state oil company Pertamina.

Indonesia currently has a mandatory biodiesel programme with 30% palm oil content known as B30. The government is keen to expand the use of the vegetable oil for energy and slash fuel imports.

The bio jet fuel used during the test flight only contained 2.4% palm content, but in a 2015 regulation, Indonesia has a mandated this be increased to 5% by 2025.