RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has joined forces with the private sector to cultivate Malapari (

The primary appeal of Malapari lies in its seeds, which produce a non-edible oil. Unlike palm oil, Malapari does not compete with food supplies, making it an ideal candidate for sustainable biodiesel and bio-aviation fuel (bioavtur). This aligns perfectly with international aviation mandates requiring the use of sustainable fuels to lower global flight emissions.

Budi Leksono, a researcher at BRIN’s Center for Applied Botany Research, noted on Monday that while natural oil yields sit between 20–28 percent, scientific intervention is pushing those boundaries.

"Through genetic selection and optimization of extraction methods, it can be increased to around 44 percent," he explained, emphasizing that BRIN is currently focused on developing "superior trees" that fruit faster and yield higher volumes of oil, as quoted by

Malapari is uniquely suited for the dry, challenging climates of East Nusa Tenggara. As a legume, the plant possesses root nodules that naturally fix nitrogen from the air, meaning it requires little to no chemical nitrogen fertilizer. This characteristic makes it highly adaptive to the marginal lands of Lembata.

Beyond its energy potential, the development follows an agroforestry omdel, allowing local communities to remain economically diverse.

The development of Malapari in East Nusa Tenggara offers a multi-layered approach to environmental and economic sustainability. Through community-based agroforestry, local farmers are empowered to maintain their livelihoods by growing food crops, coffee, and cocoa directly beneath the protective canopy of Malapari trees.

This initiative also serves as a vital tool for climate mitigation, as large-scale planting significantly supports Indonesia’s national carbon emission reduction targets and opens new opportunities for international carbon credit trading. To ensure the project remains inclusive and long-lasting, BRIN is spearheading a pentahelix collaboration, which integrates the resources and expertise of the government, local authorities, research institutions, the private sector, and the media.

For 2026, BRIN's research focus is the preparation of certified seed sources and the development of superior seeds native to Lembata. Budi is optimistic that this synergy will accelerate Malapari's transition into a national strategic commodity. By leveraging local potential and cutting-edge biotechnology, Indonesia aims to turn its arid eastern regions into a powerhouse for the global green energy market. ***