PTBA-UGM Kembangkan Downstreaming Of Low Calorie Coal So Asam Humat

Illustration (Photo: Doc. ANTARA)

JAKARTA - PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) in collaboration with Gadjah Mada University (UGM) runs a research and development program or research and development (R&D) of low-calorie coal into humic acid.

The launch of the Protoype (purrupe) of humate acid was carried out in the Periap Mining Business Permit (IUP) area, Indragiri Hulu, Riau, on Thursday 12 December 2024. The prototype will then be developed to go to the pilot project.

Just so you know, humic acid is an organic substance mixed into fertilizers and can help fertilize and improve soil quality by improving structure, maintaining moisture, and helping plants absorb better nutrients.

"Research and development of coal into humate acid is one of our efforts to present derivative products from coal so that it is in line with government policies that encourage downstreaming in order to increase added value in the country," said Arsal Ismail in a statement to the media, Tuesday, December 17.

Arsal added that downstreaming of coal into humic acid also supports the government's Astacita program in terms of food self-sufficiency, which is currently a priority.

The development of coal into humate acid will help meet the needs of fertilizer products, in order to support national food security to provide energy without stopping for the nation's young generation.

"This prototype of humic acid is the beginning of a long journey towards the development of high-value products. We are optimistic that this innovation will provide great benefits not only from an economic point of view, but also to improve people's welfare and support sustainable development," he said.

Prof. Dr. Ferian Anggara, Coordinator of the UGM Research Team, on the same occasion said that the preliminary research results showed that low-calorie coal from the Periap IUP could produce quality humate acid.

"Asam humat generated from low-calorie coal can increase soil fertility, stabilize and repair soil. With the production of humic acid, we can take advantage of critical land. We can use the composition of humate acid to add nutrients and adjust soil pH levels," he said.

Ferian also expressed his hope that the collaboration between PTBA and UGM could produce innovations that expand the use of coal, as well as improve people's welfare.

"Hopefully with the innovations we create, we can make the most of the extraordinary resources of coal in Indonesia for the prosperity of the Indonesian people," he concluded.