A liquid nano silica geothermal booster called “Katrili,” developed by a research team from the Geothermal Research Center at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in collaboration with PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (Tbk) Lahendong Area, has shown promising results.
Planted in July 2024, the ‘Gustave’ variety of tomatoes in the villages of Tonsewer and Tonsewer Selatan, Minahasa Regency, has been harvested five times with satisfying results.
A joint harvest event took place on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, with farmers, researchers, the Vice President of Technology & Acceleration at PT PGE (Tbk), the General Manager of PT PGE (Tbk) Lahendong Area, the Minahasa Regency Government, the West Tompaso District government, and local community leaders.
The researchers involved in developing this innovation to utilize geothermal byproducts include Dr. Pri Utami (geothermal expert, Department of Geological Engineering), Dr. Ronny Martien (nanotechnology expert, Faculty of Pharmacy), Dr. Ngadisih (soil and water conservation engineering expert, Faculty of Agricultural Technology), and technicians and junior researchers Teguh Triyana, and Muhammad Fatih Fauzi.
Dr. Ngadisih explained that the Katrili booster nourishes the soil, strengthens plant cell walls, protects plant surfaces, and reduces water loss.
“Laboratory tests have also shown that plants treated with Katrili fertilizer and booster produce fruits free from heavy metals. Moreover, tomatoes remain fresh even after long-distance transport,” said Dr. Ngadisih in a statement sent to journalists on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.
Novi Purwono, General Manager of PT PGE Lahendong Area, stated that the Lahendong geothermal working area not only generates electricity but also serves as a hub for geothermal-based innovations that can improve the welfare of the local community.
Purwono explained that Katrili has proven to help tomato plants grow taller, become more resistant to pests, and produce large, thick-fleshed, sweet-tasting tomatoes.
Furthermore, she mentioned that partner farmers, who are members of the Kerapatan Gereja Protestan Minahasa Farmer Group and the Gereja Masehi Injili Minahasa Farmer Group, reported that even though the tomatoes were planted during the dry season, they grew perfectly.
The Acting Regent of Minahasa, Noudy Tendean, has appreciated the synergy between the UGM Geothermal Research Center and PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (Tbk).
According to him, the Katrili liquid booster innovation has solved the fertilizer scarcity problem for the people of Minahasa, where many rely on agriculture for their livelihood.
“We hope that Katrili can be applied to cultivate other leading Minahasa commodities, such as chili, shallots, legumes, and rice,” he said.
Author: Tiefany
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang