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Indonesia is eyeing the production of sustainable aviation fuel from coconut. (Photo:iStock)
The world’s second-largest coconut producer Indonesia aims to create new value for coconuts by developing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), hoping to increase coconut exports amidst global decarbonization efforts.
Indonesia to develop new jet fuel to boost coconut sale
Speaking at the Surabaya International Coconut Conference on July 22, President Joko Widodo emphasized that enhancing the value of coconuts is crucial for job creation. He highlighted the downstream industries' need to utilize various technologies, including converting coconut waste into bioenergy, to further develop SAF.
According to the Jakarta Globe, Indonesia produced 2.8 million tons of coconuts in 2023, with exports totaling USD 1.55 billion, accounting for 38.3% of the global market share. China, Malaysia, and Singapore are the largest importers.
Widodo stated, "There is still room for growth in Indonesia's coconut exports, which we must strive for. We can promote sustainable aviation fuel to other countries."
The state-owned Garuda Indonesia airline. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
Coconut-based biojet fuel could be an option for cut emission
Prior to this initiative, Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Vice Minister Dida Gardera announced in March that extracting sustainable aviation fuel from coconuts has been validated. Approximately 20-30% of coconuts on each tree are unsuitable for consumption and can be used as feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel.
Indonesia has already demonstrated the use of sustainable aviation fuel. Garuda Indonesia completed its first commercial flight using blended biofuel in October 2023, although palm oil, not coconut, was used, and the biofuel blend was only 2.4%.
Beyond Indonesia, other countries are also exploring coconut's potential. The U.S. Department of Energy is collaborating with aviation organizations to develop coconut-based sustainable aviation fuel to accelerate the aviation sector's decarbonization efforts.
Additionally, at the request of fuel suppliers, Japan's Civil Aviation Bureau successfully advocated for including "Non-standard Coconuts," affected by cracking and mold, in the new list of sustainable aviation fuel feedstocks approved by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Source: Jakarta Globe, Indonesia Business Post, Reuters, Manila Standard
