Indonesia Plans Mandatory SAF Blending for International Flights Starting 2026

Indonesia is preparing to introduce mandatory use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in its aviation sector, with initial implementation expected in 2026 or 2027 and focused first on international flights. According to officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (KESDM), the national SAF roadmap has been formulated under the coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs. The plan sets a SAF blending mandate of 1% by 2027, rising to 5% by 2029.

Effendi Manurung, head of the Bioenergy Engineering and Environment Division at KESDM, said the government is targeting 2026 as a potential starting point for SAF-1% on international routes. However, it remains unclear whether the policy will be implemented as a one-time mandatory measure or rolled out gradually, as the regulatory framework is still being finalized.

He noted that key considerations include fuel availability and cost. SAF currently remains more expensive than conventional jet fuel, and a broad mandate could push up air ticket prices. Moreover, Indonesia has yet to introduce incentive policies to support SAF adoption, which may affect the pace of implementation.