SBRC IPB University and Universities from 9 Countries Discuss Improving Global Bioenergy and Biomass Research

The Surfactant and Bioenergy Research Center (SBRC) of IPB University together with universities from 9 countries discussed the improvement of global bioenergy and biomass research in The 8th International Conference on Biomass and Bioenergy (ICBB). The international seminar was held in a hybrid manner for two days (7-8/8) at the IPB International Convention Center (IICC), Bogor. Conference participants came from various countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Japan, Poland, the Netherlands, the United States, Australia and the Czech Republic.

Prof Ernan Rustiadi, Vice Rector of IPB University for Research, Innovation and Agromaritime Development said that IPB University has developed a lot of biomass and bioenergy research, one of which is through SBRC. IPB University's research in the field of bioenergy is among the top three most besides food and health. Not only land, bioenergy research from the sea has also been carried out by IPB University.

According to him, bioenergy development must be done from upstream to downstream. From upstream, how agriculture used to be dominant as a food provider, now start developing farmers for bioenergy. For this reason, said Prof Ernan, it is necessary to strengthen business opportunities in rural areas for those who want to enter the energy sector.

"There should be a special proportion for smallholders in the energy sector. As has been done in oil palm plantations in Indonesia, 45 percent is people's palm oil. The same applies to bioenergy farming," he said.

Recognized by Dadan Kusdiana, Director General (Sekjen) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) RI, IPB University has helped the government's bioenergy development. "Talking about bioenergy, the end is agriculture and dealing with the people. If bioenergy continues to be encouraged, all parties will benefit and can improve the people's economy," said Dadan.

He hopes this activity can support the improvement of domestic biomass and bioenergy programs. Dadan emphasized the importance of bioenergy as a strategy to push Indonesia towards decarbonization and zero emission and also help increase employment.

Head of SBRC IPB University, Dr Meika Syahbana Rusli said that the 8th International Conference on Biomass and Bioenergy was a collaboration with Hiroshima University Japan, Villanova University USA, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Indonesian Bioenergy Experts Association (IKABI) and the Indonesian Biogas Association.

Related to the strengthening of biomass and bioenergy in an effort to support zero emission, Dr Meika added, SBRC IPB University has collaborated with PT PLN in developing biomass at the community level through the people's business model in the energy sector.

"In addition, SBRC IPB University is also developing bio additives in an effort to help optimize the use of biodiesel. We also develop technology to increase the production of residual petroleum that is not lifted," he said.

Delivering remarks was Arfie Thahar, Research and Development Division of the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS). He said that oil palm plantations provide a lot of positive support for sustainable development goals (SDGS), poverty reduction economy, renewable energy and encourage the elimination of carbon footprints. (dh/Rz) (IAAS/SHY)