Foreign Countries have Growing Interest in Indonesia`s Biomass

INDONESIA possesses enormous amounts of biomass resources, including biomass from palm oil waste. It is estimated that Indonesia produces around 120 million to 140 million tons biomass from palm oil waste and they have not been utilized optimally. From the International Conference on Biomass 2018, in Bogor (1/8/2018), it was announced that some countries are interested to purchase biomass from Indonesia. Japan and Korea have signed a US$10 billion purchase agreement for Indonesia’s biomass. `Japan and Korea need other materials to generate electricity. They will substitute the fuel by renewable materials such as biomass. Biomass can substitute other source of energy used in power stations that relies on combustion system. A part from that, biomass is also a solution to solve plastic waste problem  by using bioplastic,” said Bayu Krisnamurti, the Steering Committee of International Conference on Biomass 2018 in Hotel Salak Tower, Bogor (1/8/2018). The International Conference on Biomass 2018 was initiated by the Research Center of Surfactants and Bioenergy Bogor Agricultural University (SBRC-IPB). According to Bayu, who is also a lecturer the Faculty of Economics and Management (FEM) of IPB, Indonesia has to start developing its potential biomass. At least, there are 400 to 500 fuel-based products that can be substituted by biomass. “The opportunity is wide open. IPB is leading the way in research in this field.` Arif Satria, the Rector of IPB, also gave a key message in this conference. He said that IPB is supporting the development of science, technology, and innovation to support sustainable life. According to him, this conference succeeded in gathering leading experts on biomass research to share their views on the latest biomass technology development and its commercialization. `I believe biomass will have a significant role in the future. We are very fortunate to live in the era where the global paradigm is shifting from oil-based resources to bio-based materials. This shows us that global awareness on sustainable environment, life, and economy is emerging,` Arif said. Currently the use of biomass is not only limited on biofuel sector, but also rapidly growing as a raw material for various alternative products. Such as biomaterials, bio-chemicals, bio-adsorbents, bio surfactants and other products. The development of various biomass usage is not only to seek efficient heat or energy, but also necessary to reach efficient cost. (Source: ipb.ac.id)