SLEMAN- Deputy Governor of Yogyakarta Sri Paku Alam IX, Thursday (10/2), inaugurated the demo plant (demonstration plots) or the fruit waste treatment plant which can produce biogas in the Gemah Ripah fruit market Gamping, Sleman. The fruit waste treatment plant into biogas is the result of cooperation between UGM, Sleman regency, the City of Boras, Sweden, and University of Boras. Attending the ceremony, Rector of UGM, Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M. Eng., Ph.D., Swedish Ambassador to Indonesia, Ewa Ulrika Polano, Sleman Regent, Drs. Sri Purnomo, M.Si., Dean of the UGM Faculty of Engineering, Ir. Tumiran, M. Eng., Ph.D., and Chairman of the Gemah Ripah Cooperative, Suharsini.
Previously, Dr. Siti Syamsiah, coordinator of UGM Waste Refinery Program, said that beforehand the fruit waste had never been utilized and dumped directly into landfills. From about 4 tons of fruit waste each day obtained in the Gamping market, it can produce at least 300 m3 biogas. With this amount, it can produce electric power up to 500 KW. "Through the power generated, we can turn on three electric generators at the Gamping fruit market compound," said Siti.
Siti added that the research had been done since 2006. The installation in the Gamping fruit market was the result of laboratory research that had been modified. "Currently, two units of the digester, the tool to ferment the fruit waste into biogas, have been built, which in one week can turn on electricity for most of the stalls in the Gamping fruit market and the surrounding roads," she explained.
Fruit traders of the Gamping Fruit market represented by the Chairman of Gemah Ripah Cooperative, Suharsini, also claimed to receive the benefit from the fruit waste treatment units installation. She hoped the installation can inspire other fruit markets in Yogyakarta and other cities. "Hopefully, it can inspire others fruit markets and traditional markets," said Suharsini.
Meanwhile, the Rector gives appreciation to all involved in the establishment of this biogas-producing fruit waste installation. This project, according to Sudjarwadi, is just the beginning of the next project development that is expected to be able to improve the quality of the environment. "Hopefully, it can continue to be developed on a larger scale, thus it will be useful for wider significance than for the community in Yogyakarta only," said Sudjarwadi.
In line with the Rector’s statement, Sleman Regent, Sri Purnomo, also mentioned the benefits of fruit waste treatment. The installation will complement the natural laboratory that is useful for students to continue learning it. "It also can be utilized for educational tours as well, moreover the Gamping fruit market is a wholesale fruit market at the gates of the city of Yogyakarta," said Sri Purnomo.
Sri Purnomo explained the fruit waste treatment plant complements the independent waste management in Sleman. The independent waste management has been conducted in 10 villages which are Mlati, Godean, Pakem, and Sleman.
Deputy Governor of Yogyakarta, Sri Paku Alam IX, representing the Governor of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan HB X, in his speech hoped that in addition to overcome the waste crisis, the fruit waste treatment could also overcome the energy crisis. "Of course, it is also to improve the welfare for the community," said Paku Alam IX.
The Swedish Ambassador also appreciated the inauguration of the waste treatment. The cooperative project involving the UGM and Sleman regency has previously been carried out successfully in Sweden. "At Boras, Sweden, not only fruit waste management like this, but we have also developed energy projects up to sanitation issues," the Ambassador said.
After the ceremony conducted by the Deputy Governor and the signing of the MoU between the Faculty of Engineering, Sleman regency, and Gemah Ripah Cooperative, the Ambassador, accompanied by the others distinguished guests visited the biogas-producing installation behind the Gamping fruit market.