Pemalang, August 2, 2024 – Students from Diponegoro University’s (Undip) Field and Work Force (KKN) Team II for the 2023/2024 period conducted the production of biobriquettes from rice husks as part of an effort to process rice husk waste. The program was carried out by Andi Nugroho, a student from the Chemistry Department at Undip, for the farmers’ group in Bulu Village.
Bulu Village is one of the villages where the majority of the population works as rice farmers. The abundant rice production results in a significant amount of rice husk waste, which is not being utilized optimally and poses a problem that needs to be addressed. The production of biobriquettes is a step towards utilizing and repurposing rice husk waste. Biobriquettes can be used as an alternative fuel to reduce LPG consumption or can be mass-produced as a flagship product and even for export.
The activity involved providing an understanding of biobriquettes, their advantages, and hands-on practice in the biobriquette production process. A burn test was conducted to demonstrate the success of the biobriquettes made. The process begins with burning the rice husks, which are then finely ground to produce better and longer-lasting briquettes. The finely ground husks are mixed with a binder and molded to achieve the desired shape. The mixture is done with a 9:1 ratio of husks to binder. The biobriquettes are then dried in the sun for approximately two days until fully dried. The resulting biobriquettes have a burn time of about 10-15 minutes.
The response from the farmers’ group during the hands-on practice of biobriquette production was very positive. They were actively involved in the activity, asking questions and engaging in open discussions about biobriquettes. Through this activity, it is hoped that the utilization of rice husk waste can be maximized through biobriquettes, either as a flagship product or an export opportunity. This program is also expected to benefit the residents of Bulu Village by supporting local economic growth.
Written by: Andi Nugroho (Undip KKN Student)
