LAHENDONG: As the country with the second-largest geothermal reserves in the world after the United States, Indonesia holds immense potential in the renewable energy space. But beyond clean electricity, geothermal energy offers another powerful possibility—sustainable agriculture.
PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGE) (IDX: PGEO), in collaboration with Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has harnessed this potential to develop the Katrili booster—an eco-friendly agricultural solution made from silica, a geothermal by-product. This innovation is not just a scientific breakthrough but a meaningful step toward strengthening food security and empowering local farming communities.
“We are committed to creating real, lasting benefits for communities around our operations,” said Novi Purwono, General Manager of PGE’s Lahendong Area. “In Lahendong, farming is a major source of livelihood. When we saw the potential of geothermal by-products in agriculture, we knew we had a chance to make a bigger impact.”
From By-Product to Breakthrough
The origins of Katrili can be traced back to 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. While visiting PGE’s Geothermal Working Area (WKP) in Lahendong, Ir. Pri Utami, M.Sc., Ph.D., IPM—a geothermal expert from UGM—took samples of geothermal production residue for testing. She discovered that the silica-rich substance bore similarities to volcanic ash, long used to enrich soil.
“I saw something promising in the material,” said Pri Utami. “Silica was the primary component, but there were also other valuable minerals. That’s when the idea of converting it into a plant booster began to take shape.”
Pri teamed up with Dr.rer.nat. Ronny Martien, a nanotechnology expert from UGM’s Faculty of Pharmacy, to refine the material into a form suitable for agriculture. With rigorous research and development, they created the Katrili booster, a product designed to nourish plants while reducing reliance on conventional chemical inputs.
Empowering Farmers through Knowledge and Access
Introducing a new product to farmers required more than just innovation—it demanded education. UGM and PGE adopted a participatory, voluntary approach, training farmers on how to use the booster effectively.
“Katrili works differently from typical boosters or fertilisers. Like medicine, it has to be used properly to show results,” explained Dr. Ngadisih, a soil and water conservation expert from UGM’s Faculty of Agricultural Technology.
Beyond Lahendong, Katrili has also been introduced in other regions across Java, including Wonosobo and Magelang, through UGM’s Community Service Program (KKN).
The booster combines silica with chitosan, a compound derived from shrimp and crab shell waste—an abundant resource in Indonesia. Together, they strengthen plant cell walls, boost resistance to pests, and improve water retention.
Results on the Ground
Two farmers from Tonsewer Village, Minahasa—Rommie and Danni—began using Katrili in 2024 on their tomato crops. They quickly noticed a difference.
“The fruits were larger, ripened more evenly, and had fewer problems with rot. The plants also coped better with unpredictable weather, especially when used alongside regular fertilisers,” shared Danni.
For Rommie, the experience carries a deeper meaning. “The Katrili booster was developed using materials from our own homeland. That makes us proud. We hope this programme continues to grow so more farmers can benefit.”
The name “Katrili” itself is inspired by a traditional Minahasan dance that symbolises harmony and gratitude—values reflected in the programme’s impact.
A Community Celebration
To celebrate this success and further promote sustainable farming, PGE and UGM will host the Panen Raya Katrili (Katrili Harvest Festival) on Monday, 26 May in Lahendong. The event will feature local farming groups from the Minahasa Protestant Church Synod (KGPM) and the Evangelical Christian Church in Minahasa (GMIM). Visitors will enjoy a community harvest, traditional cuisine, and a performance of the Katrili dance.
