Semarak 2016: Utilizing Microbial Alternative Energy for Indonesia Â– Present and Future

February 24, 2016

By Abdiel Jeremi W

Editor Abdiel Jeremi W

BANDUNG, itb.ac.id - Aula Timur ITB was crowded with academics interested in microbiology in the Seminar of Archaea (Semarak) 2016 with the theme of "Microbial Energy-Present and Future" on Saturday (20/02/16). Organized by Microbiology Student Association (Himamikro) 'Archaea' ITB, this event presented four competent speakers in the field of energy-based microbes. Those key speakers are Dr. Dea Indriani Astuti (Lecturer of SITH-ITB), Agus Saptono, SE, MM. (Head of Sub-directorate of Bioenergy Program preparation under Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources), Prof. I Nyoman Kabinawa (Researcher at Laboratory of Freshwater Microalgae LIPI), and Adri Kristina from PT. Pasadena Engineering Indonesia as well as a ITB chemical engineering alumnus. This seminar was also integrated with the regular course of ITB, Studium Generale.

In sync with its students' passion, ITB contributes in introducing the science of Microbiology to the public through educational activities. The background of Microbial Energy theme was the energy crisis that is currently making energy experts desperately looking for alternative solutions. This first Grand Seminar of Himamikro 'Archaea' has received positive responses from the attendants. Prior to the seminar - as the main event - the committee has conducted an essay competition themed Microbial-based Energy. The jury team consists of School of Biological Science and Technology (SITH) lecturers: Dr. Dea Indriani Astuti from Petroleum Microbiology expertise group, Intan Taufik, M.Si, Fenryco Pratama, M.Si of MEOR, and one lecturer of ITB who is also active in Osaka University.

Given the theme, the speakers delivered numerous topics related to the prospect of bioenergy in Indonesia. It was Dr. Dea Indriani Astuti who came with "Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) Technology", Agus Saptono, SE, MM. with the topic "The Potential and Challenges of Microbial-based Bioenergy for Renewable Energy in Indonesia", Prof. I Nyoman Kabinawa with the topic "Utilization of Microalgae as Biodiesel", and Adri Kristina with the topic "The Development of Microbial-based Bioenergy Usage and Production in Indonesia's Industries".

Microbial bioenergy (bioenergy-based microbes) in Indonesia is focused towards microalgae and biogas. Microalgaes produce bioenergy that is better than biomass as raw material for producing energy. As a developing science, microbiology needs a balanced space and a relationship between science and technology. "Science must consider the oldest literature (historical worthy, -red), while technology must instead consider the latest. Let the older technology become science. Technology cannot be borrowed, but must be 'stolen', and a great theory is one that doesn't damage the environment," Nyoman said.