From September 29 to October 2, 2025, AHK Indonesia/EKONID, in partnership with Eclareon, successfully organized a German business delegation to Indonesia focusing on Bioenergy to X solutions, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as part of the German Energy Solutions Initiative funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).
The four-day program highlighted Indonesia’s strong potential in bioenergy, facilitated German-Indonesian technology exchange, and created new opportunities for collaboration in renewable energy.
Day 1: Monday, 29 September 2025 – Jakarta
The delegation program started with a Country Briefing andwas opened by remarks from EKONID Executive Director Mr. Jan Rönnfeld, welcoming all participants. Ms. Anja Nitschke-Hoffmann, First Secretary of Economic Affairs at the German Embassy in Jakarta gave a briefing on German-Indonesian relations, while Mr. Rönnfeld provided an outlook on Indonesia’s new government and economic trajectory.
Mr. Oliver Döhne, Director at German Trade and Invest (GTAI) Indonesia, highlighted the country as “a big market in Southeast Asia” for bioenergy. His remarks were followed by Mr. Ardian Candraputra from GIZ Energy Program Indonesia, who spoke on bioenergy from the perspective of the German-Indonesian Energy Hub. Ms. Nurul Fatimah Khasbullah, Sr. Executive of Legal and Investment at EKONID then addressed legal and regulatory aspects of the bioenergy sector.
Roundtable discussions addressed challenges and opportunities in Indonesia’s bioenergy market. Key speakers included Mr. Rendra (PT Pertamina NRE) on Indonesia’s national bioenergy programs, Mr. M. Amsori Nasution (PT Perkebunan Nusantara IV) on bioenergy from sugar and palm oil mills, Mr. Galih Bahtara Muda (Roemah Kelapa Exploring) on coconuts as a sustainable SAF feedstock, and Mr. Abdul Kholiq (Indonesian Biogas Association) on palm oil residues for biofuel.
The group later visited the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, where Mr. Edi Wibowo, Director of Bioenergy, introduced the regulatory framework and growth opportunities in bioenergy. The day ended with B2B matchmaking and a networking dinner at Lara Djonggrang Menteng with Indonesian companies.
Day 2: Tuesday, 30 September 2025 – Jakarta
The second day was dedicated to the Bioenergy to X and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) conference. Mr. Rönnfeld delivered opening remarks, followed by expert presentations:
- Mr. Marc Reinhard (German Biogas Association) – status quo and trends in German biogas
- Dr. Pablo J. Arauzo (University of Hohenheim) – biomass to bioenergy in the bioeconomy framework
Delegation sessions showcased German solutions:
- Ms. Yuwei Song (Suma Rührtechnik GmbH) – agitation systems and biogas storage (“WE SOLVE & MOVE”)
- Mr. Miroslav Benka (Baur Folien GmbH) – The Right Gas Storage Tank for Every Project
- Mr. Sebastian Wagner (Biogas Hochreiter GmbH) – Comprehensive Consulting and Engineering for Biogas Success
- Mr. Samuel Cheetam (Flottweg SE) – Innovative Solutions in Biogas Separation and Optimization
- Mr. Ahmed Abdelshaffy (HeGo Biotec International GmbH) – Amorphous Iron Hydroxide for H2S Removal for Easier Operation & Profit Optimization.
The day concluded with B2B meetings between German and Indonesian companies, before the delegation traveled to Medan.
Day 3: Wednesday, 1 October 2025 – Medan
In Medan, the delegation began with a visit to PT Unilever Oleochemicals for business dialogue on potential partnerships. Representatives from Unilever included its Managing Director Mr. Saikhrisna Devarakonda, Manufacturing Director Ms. Dian Marliana Srikaton, HR Director Mr. Dewo Tjindarbumi, Engineering Director Mr. Kapilan Chinnasammy, and Ms. Nurmala from External Relations. This was followed by a session at the Sei Mangkei Special Economic Zone (SEZ), introduced by Mr. Arif Budiman, Director of Sei Mangkei SEZ, and Mr. Muhammad Fadillah as Marketing Assistant Manager, highlighting incentives for renewable energy projects, palm oil downstream industries, and by-product utilization (POME, EFB, PFAD). The delegation also met with PT Industri Nabati Lestari and was greeted by Mr. Ipan Gumara Siahaan, Senior Executive Vice President (SEVP) of Operations and Head of Sub-Section Corporate Secretary (Kasubag Sekper) Mr. Jefrizal Shadli Karo Karo.
Later, the group visited PT Sheel Oil Indonesia for discussions opened by Mr. Yustianus as the General Manager of PT. Sheel Oil Indonesia, and Ms. Winda, HR Manager on palm oil by-products, biogas, biomethane, and SAF feedstock opportunities.
Day 4: Thursday, 2 October 2025 – Medan
The final day featured a visit to PT Musim Mas, introduced by Mr. Olivier Tichit, Director of Communications and Sustainability, and Mr. Ahuat Leong, Head of Palm Oil Mill Division. Presentations by the German delegation were followed by Q&A and discussions on partnerships in biogas, biomethane, and SAF feedstock development.
The program concluded with the German Technology Exchange & Collaboration Forum at JW Marriott, where EKONID delivered opening remarks, followed by keynote insights on palm oil industry opportunities and German technology pitches.
Significance for Indonesia’s Bioenergy Sector
The delegation emphasizes Indonesia’s vast potential in bioenergy, particularly in the utilization of palm oil by-products, coconut, and agricultural residues for biogas, biomethane, and SAF production. With German expertise in technology, consulting, and engineering, the event fostered strong opportunities for sustainable energy partnerships.
Through company visits, presentations, and networking, the Business Initiation Indonesia program provided a vital platform for knowledge exchange and bilateral cooperation, paving the way for joint innovation in renewable energy and decarbonization.
EKONID / AHK Indonesia expresses its appreciation to the participating ministries, companies, and associations for their contribution to the success of this delegation.