Indragiri Hulu, December 17, 2024 - PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) collaborated with Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) conducted a research and development (R&D) program to convert low-calorific value coal into humic acid.
The launch of the humic acid prototype took place at IUP Peranap in Indragiri Hulu, Riau, on Thursday, December 12, 2024. This prototype will be further developed into a pilot project.
Humic acid is an organic substance (fertilizer) that can help to fertilize and improve soil quality by enhancing structure, retaining moisture, and aiding plants in absorbing nutrients more effectively.
Arsal Ismail, President Director of PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA), stated that PTBA continues its transformation to become a world-class energy company that cares for the environment. Hence, it needs to develop more innovations on energy downstreaming to encounter the future challenges.
“The research and development of converting coal into humic acid is one of our efforts to provide derivative products of coal, which is align with the government's policy to encourage downstream industries to increase added value domestically,” said Arsal Ismail.
Arsal also added that the downstream development of coal into humic acid supports the government’s current priority of achieving food self-sufficiency. The development of coal into humic acid will help meet fertilizer needs and support national food security to bring continuous energy to Indonesian young generations.
“This humic acid prototype is the beginning of a long journey towards developing high-value-added products. We are optimistic that this innovation will provide significant benefits not only economically but also for improving the welfare of society and supporting sustainable development,” he said.
Prof. Dr. Ferian Anggara, Coordinator of the Research Team from UGM, mentioned that initial research results showed that low-calorific value coal from IUP Peranap can produce high-quality humic acid.
“Humic acid produced from low-calorific value coal can improve soil fertility, stabilize, and restore soil quality. By producing humic acid, we can utilize critical lands. We can adjust the composition of humic acid to enhance nutrient content and optimize soil pH,” he explained.
Ferian also expressed hope that the collaboration between PTBA and UGM would lead to innovations that expand the utilization of coal and improve the welfare of the community. "We hope that the innovations we create will maximize the use of Indonesia's vast coal resources for the prosperity of the Indonesian people," he concluded.
The launch of the humic acid prototype was attended by Dahlia, VP of Downstream Development at PTBA; Yulfaizon B Dahlioes, GM of PTBA Ombilin Mining Unit; Ayi Ruhiat Sukartin, Coordinator of Coal Commercial Relations at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources; Ginanjar Rahmat, Senior Media Researcher at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources; Yusri Erdi, Head of Peranap Subdistrict; SVP IFRI PT Pupuk Indonesia, represented by Wahyudi; SVP Business Transformation of PT Pupuk Sriwidjaja, represented by Virlianda Sysmita and Ari Widiastuti; members of the Musyawarah Pimpinan Kecamatan (Muspika); and other invited guests.
