Jakarta – PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGE) Lahendong Area in collaboration with Faculty of Engineering Universitas Gadjah Mada (FT UGM) developed nano-silica fertiliser and liquid booster made from geothermal by-products named “Katrili”.
Research conducted by the Geothermal Research Center of FT UGM found that geothermal silica deposits treated with chitosan, a type of polysaccharide, can function as fertilisers, protectors, and plant boosters. These deposits were previously considered as waste, but are now processed into high-quality fertiliser for farmers and liquid boosters.
The first spraying of “Katrili” fertiliser was carried out at the Pilot Project demonstration plot, Tonsewer Village, West Tompaso District, Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi.
The event was attended by PGE Corporate Secretary Kitty Andhora, General Manager of PGE Lahendong Area Albertus Novi Purwono, Dean of FT UGM Prof Selo, and a research team led by Head of Geothermal Research Center of FT UGM Ir Pri Utami MSc PhD IPM.
PGE General Manager Albertus Novi Purwono stated that this collaboration is an important innovation that not only diversifies geothermal utilization but also helps farmers in North Sulawesi.
“We are aware of the scarcity of fertilizer among North Sulawesi farmers which certainly hampers agricultural productivity. With innovation with FT UGM, we are proud to be able to provide support so that farmers can remain productive and produce quality agricultural products,” he said in a written statement, on Tuesday, July 30.
The cooperation includes production, demonstration plot testing, quality testing, and environmental friendliness testing.
PGE Corporate Secretary Kitty Andhora welcomed the initiative, emphasising PGE’s contribution to the agricultural sector in North Sulawesi.
“The development of nano-silica fertiliser is the Company’s initiative to contribute to the agricultural sector in North Sulawesi. This initiative not only touches on aspects of community empowerment, namely farmers but also contributes to national food security and agribusiness development around the operation area,” she said.
Kitty Andhora also highlighted that geothermal energy from PGE Lahendong Area, which now contributes 30 per cent of the electricity supply in North Sulawesi, is not only the backbone of the national energy transition towards clean and sustainable energy but also boosts the economy and agribusiness potential around the operation area. (Hartatik)
