Observer applauds used cooking oil as a sustainable energy source

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Energy observer Feiral Rizky Batubara has commended PT Pertamina (Persero) for developing used cooking oil as a source of sustainable energy.

“Pertamina’s move to develop UCO (used cooking oil) demonstrates consistency in carrying out the energy transition agenda. This approach is not merely about emission reductions or the development of low-carbon energy, but also about how new energy sources can create added value domestically and strengthen national energy resilience,” said Feiral in a statement issued in Jakarta on Tuesday.

According to him, developing UCO into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) shows consistency in pursuing the energy transition agenda while simultaneously building a new industrial ecosystem.

Feiral, who also serves as a member of the Advisory Council of the Indonesian Renewable Energy Society (METI), said the shift towards sustainable energy can in fact grow from something very close to everyday society.

“The development of used cooking oil into Sustainable Aviation Fuel is one concrete example. Used cooking oil, previously regarded as waste, can be transformed into energy feedstock with added value,” he said.

According to Feiral, Indonesia’s energy transition needs to be placed within a broader perspective. The development of alternative energy can serve as an instrument to reduce dependence on imported energy, strengthen domestic industrial capacity, and open up new economic opportunities.

He assessed that the utilisation of UCO still has considerable room for development, both for SAF and other bioenergy products. The challenge lies in building an adequate collection system, appropriate economic incentives, quality standards, traceability systems, and governance capable of guaranteeing supply sustainability.

“If the entire supply chain can be built domestically, the benefits will be far greater than simply producing low-carbon fuel. We are building an industry, creating jobs, enhancing technological capability, and at the same time strengthening energy resilience,” he said.