CMMAI Indonesia, September 18, 2024:

The Bali International Air Show (BIAS) 2024 commenced with a significant panel discussion focused on the decarbonisation of the aviation industry and the advancements of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) industry. Titled “Global and Regional Collaboration Potential on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF),” the panel provided insights from prominent leaders representing global and regional perspectives on potential collaboration in developing the SAF industry.

Leaders that were brought together in this discussion included Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment of Indonesia, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan; Executive Chairman of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change and Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Tony Blair; Director of Strategy, Portfolio, and New Ventures of PT Pertamina (Persero), Salyadi Saputra; President Director of Lion Air Group, Daniel Putut Kuncoro; and President of Airbus Asia Pacific, Anand Stanley. The session was moderated by Jalil Rasheed, Asia-Pacific Managing Director of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.

Coordinating Minister Luhut emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to accelerating SAF adoption through a new roadmap and policy action plan. “This roadmap is designed to fast-track sustainable technology adoption in aviation and attract investments to cut carbon emissions,” he stated. He also noted that Indonesia’s initiative aligns with global efforts, as 148 countries have submitted CO2 reduction plans to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050.

Director of Strategy, Portfolio, and New Ventures at PT Pertamina (Persero), Salyadi Saputra, also emphasized that SAF is a key solution to decarbonise the aviation sector. “The global demand for SAF will continue to increase, and Pertamina has been actively exploring potential resources for SAF feedstocks. We believe SAF will perform well in the global market, making it economically feasible for us.” he explained.

From an airline perspective, Daniel Putut Kuncoro of Lion Air Group reiterated the crucial role SAF plays in the decarbonization process of the aviation sector. “Lion Air is ready to work together with the Indonesian government to use SAF as a means to address our concern of climate change while also advancing towards a healthier environment,” Daniel said.

Meanwhile, President of Airbus Asia Pacific, Anand Stanley, added that Indonesia has great potential in supporting the decarbonisation of the aviation sector. He also underlined the importance of cross-collaboration between the aviation industry and state governments with energy producers. “We also need to work with energy providers to create SAF supply chains, create and manage feedstock, provide techno-economic studies, and support capabilities for SAF production.”

The dialogue underscored Indonesia’s dedication to fostering a more sustainable aviation sector through SAF and showcased its role in global and regional partnerships. With the new roadmap and support from the private sector, Indonesia is positioned to lead in transforming the aviation industry and creating a robust SAF ecosystem.

BIAS 2024 is Southeast Asia’s leading aerospace, aerotechnology, and defense exhibition that is organized by the Indonesian government through the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, the Ministry of Transportation, and the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU). This year’s event, which runs from September 18-21 and attracts thousands of visitors from 48 countries, also featured the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) as a Knowledge Partner. Jalil Rasheed, Managing Director of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Asia Pacific, remarked, “It is a privilege for us to support and take part in BIAS 2024 as it provides an essential platform to bring together key stakeholders and collaborate in addressing the critical challenges we face. We believe that through dialogue and collaboration, we can contribute to shaping a more sustainable and prosperous future for everyone.”