Jakarta—PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) and the Faculty of Engineering of Gadjah Mada University (UGM) are developing geothermal waste-based fertilisers. They use the silica content in geothermal fluids to create fertilisers that increase plant resilience and productivity.
The General Manager of PGE Lahendong Area, Novi Purwono, stated that utilising geothermal waste is a concrete form of PGE’s contribution to the community around the PGE working area in Lahendong.
“Today, we see how geothermal by-products can be used for agricultural purposes, supporting the strengthening of the food sector by providing affordable and environmentally friendly fertilisers. This also strengthens PGE’s contribution to the energy sector and agriculture,” Purwono said in a written statement on Friday, November 1, at the first tomato harvest event in South Tonsewer Village.
Purwono explained that Katrili Silica Fertiliser comes from silica sediment from geothermal fluid processing, which is usually left over in the energy generation process. With the technology developed with UGM, these deposits are processed into Katrili Silica Fertiliser, a mineral-rich fertiliser that can strengthen plants while maintaining their resistance to weather and pests.
Benefits for local farmers
UGM research team led by Ir Pri Utami, MSc, PhD, from Geothermal Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, conducted a study on elements in silica that can increase plant resilience. “Silica is similar to volcanic ash elements known to fertilise the soil naturally. The nutrients from this fertiliser can increase plant resistance to pests,” Pri explained.
Farmers in West Tompaso Subdistrict, Minahasa, have also benefited. Michael Lasut, a farmer from the KGPM Farmer Group, said that the fertiliser not only helped strengthen his crops but also increased yields. “We all hope that Katrili fertiliser will continue to be developed because it has great benefits for our agriculture, both in terms of economy and crop resilience,” Lasut said.
Representing the Acting Regent of Minahasa, Dr Arody Tangkere appreciated this collaboration, saying that the silica fertiliser from PGE and UGM can be a superior product that meets the fertiliser needs in the Minahasa region and other regions in Indonesia. “We strongly support the idea that this product will solve the challenges of fertiliser availability, especially for farmers in our region. Hopefully, Katrili fertiliser can be produced on a larger scale soon,” said Tangkere.
This cooperation is also part of PGE’s commitment in the “Beyond Energy” program that prioritises environmental and social sustainability. PGE’s collaboration with UGM and the local community exemplifies how by-products of the energy industry can be repurposed for wider benefits. (Hartatik)
Banner photo: PGE Lahendong Area and Faculty of Engineering UGM First Harvest of Gustavi Tomatoes with Katrili Silica Fertiliser. (PGE handout)
