InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – The Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS) has once again launched the Palm Oil Research Grant (GRS) Program, an initiative that has been in place since 2015 to enhance the development and empowerment of Indonesia’s palm oil plantations and industry. Covering research from upstream to downstream, the 2024 program selected 52 research projects out of 785 proposals, with a total funding commitment of IDR 95 billion.
The Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) stood out as the top grant recipient, with six faculty members securing research grants totaling IDR 15 billion. This achievement positions ITB as the institution with the most research agreements under the 2024 GRS program. “This marks a significant increase from last year when only three proposals from ITB were funded,” said Wibawa Hendra Saputera, Ph.D., one of the grant recipients.
A flagship project from ITB focuses on developing photocatalytic decarboxylation technology, led by Wibawa. The technology aims to produce high-quality biohydrocarbons using light energy, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and supporting decarbonization efforts. “This aligns with the green energy transition commitment and sustainability principles,” Wibawa explained, as quoted by InfoSAWIT from ITB's official website on Thursday (28/11/2024).
The 2024 GRS program targets seven key areas:
- Bioenergy
- Biomaterials and Oleochemicals
- Food, Feed, and Health
- Land, Soil, and Cultivation
- Post-Harvest and Management
- Waste and Environmental Management
- Socioeconomics, Management, Business, Market, and ICT
Wibawa emphasized that the program is expected to foster collaboration among researchers, industry, and government to develop applicable research solutions. “Effective funding can directly enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in the palm oil industry, benefiting farmers and society at large,” he added.
The six ITB researchers receiving 2024 GRS funding are:
- Prof. Brian Yuliarto, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D.
Development of a Rapid Test Kit for Detecting 3MCPD and GE Using Modified Transition Metal Nanoparticles. - Dr. Eng. Yosi Agustina Hidayat, S.T., M.T.
IoT-Based Tracking and Theft Prevention Prototype for Palm Oil Plantations and Products. - Dr. Ir. Melia Laniwati Gunawan, M.S.
Production of Alkali Methoxide Catalyst for Biodiesel Synthesis. - Prof. Ir. Ronny Purwadi, M.T., Ph.D.
Cellulase Enzyme Production for Second-Generation Bioethanol. - Ir. Hary Devianto, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., IPM.
Biogas Utilization through CO2 Reduction into Formic Acid via Electrolysis and Photocatalysis. - Wibawa Hendra Saputera, S.Si., M.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D.
Photocatalytic Decarboxylation Technology for Producing Biohydrocarbons from Palm Oil.
The research agreements were signed on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. The GRS program marks a pivotal step in boosting the competitiveness of Indonesia’s palm oil industry while ensuring sustainable and environmentally friendly plantation practices. (T2)
