Indonesia plans to turn diesel surplus into jet fuel to end imports

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia plans to convert a projected domestic diesel surplus into aviation turbine fuel (avtur) as part of a broader strategy to completely eliminate jet fuel imports by the end of 2026.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia announced the initiative on Thursday following the official launch of the country’s mandatory B50 biodiesel program.

He stated that the ministry and state-owned energy company Pertamina are currently drafting a roadmap to construct a domestic jet fuel production facility next year.

"We calculate our diesel surplus will reach between 3 million and 4 million kiloliters," Lahadalia said at the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road rest area in Karawang, West Java.

"Our next step is to push for jet fuel production," Lahadalia said, adding that the raw components are nearly identical to diesel.

The minister explained that the expected diesel surplus stems from two factors: the nationwide rollout of the B50 biodiesel mandate this month and a significant production boost at the newly optimized Balikpapan Refinery in East Kalimantan, which is adding 5.6 million kiloliters in capacity.

With the launch of the B50 program—a blend containing 50 percent palm oil-based biofuel—Lahadalia declared that Indonesia has already successfully halted all diesel imports, marking a major milestone for the national energy sovereignty agenda.

Looking forward, the government also intends to develop domestic refining capabilities for high-octane gasolines, including RON 92, RON 95, and RON 98.

"We want everything to be produced domestically," Lahadalia added, addressing long-standing public concerns over the country's energy vulnerabilities.

"This will eliminate any outside speculation suggesting there is foul play or manipulation involved in our fuel imports."

Translator: Bayu Prasetyo

Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono

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