“This is the first time Bioavtur testing is done in Indonesia. The procedures are monitored with the required standards and protocols. We also performed a check-up on the airplane’s engine in Garuda Maintenance Facility, which shows no issues,” Dr. Iman K. Reksowardoyo from the Laboratory of Internal Combustion Engine and Propulsion System stated.

Bioavtur is manufactured from palm oil and is a potential airplane fuel. Its evaluation is done in phases, in which the ground run stage has been completed. In this stage, the test proceeds with a running engine. However, the airplane does not take flight- the actual test flight was performed on 15 September 2021.

This activity is part of ITB’s collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (EMR), Funding Management Agency of Palm Oil Plantation, PT DI, and Pertamina. IMAA has permitted them to conduct the Bioavtur J2.4 assessment.

The ITB Bioavtur research team consists of Prof. Subagjo and his team from the Catalyst Engineering Center. They worked with Dr. Iman's team from FTMD Laboratory of Internal Combustion Engine and Propulsion System in evaluating the use of Bioavture. Pertamina RTI (Research, Technology, and Innovation) Center also helped them produce catalysts and biofuels.

Those who were present on the test flight were representatives of PT ID, including the President Director, the Director of Commerce and Technology Development, and the Director of Bioenergy. Moreover, the event was attended by representatives of the General Directorate of Renewable Energy and Conservation, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Vice President of Pertamina RTI Center, and Dean of FTMD ITB Prof. Tatacipta Dirgantara.

Dr. Iman considered the Bioavtur research as a joint effort between ITB's Catalyst Engineering Center and Laboratory of Internal Combustion Engine and Propulsion System of FTMD ITB. The test result is expected to open more opportunities for alternative fuels in airplanes, as bioavtur is a more environmentally-friendly fuel compared to others.

Reporter: Adi Permana
Translator: Ruth Nathania (Teknik Lingkungan, 2019)