Press Release

Muara Enim, 14 November 2025 – PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) held a socialization program on the use of potassium humate at the solar-powered irrigation (PLTS Irigasi) farmland in Tanjung Karangan Village, Tanjung Agung District. This initiative aims to support improved agricultural productivity for communities living in the company’s ring 1 area.

Ajis Purnomo, PTBA’s Sustainable Community Development Section Head, explained that coal is classified into two categories based on calorific value: high-calorie coal (anthracite) and low-calorie coal. Low-calorie coal is further processed (through downstreaming) into potassium humate, a product resulting from PTBA’s collaboration with Gadjah Mada University (UGM).

The utilization of low-calorie coal to produce potassium humate offers five key benefits: improving soil quality by balancing soil pH, reducing soil toxins, increasing fertilizer efficiency, rehabilitating degraded post-mining land, and enhancing the growth rate of stems and fruits.

“This initiative aligns with President Prabowo’s Asta Cita programs number 2 and 5, which focus on achieving food self-sufficiency and promoting downstreaming and industrialization to create greater domestic value-added—particularly by improving agricultural productivity through irrigation systems powered by solar energy (PLTS),” Ajis said.

He added that the program is also in line with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources’ Roadmap for Coal Downstreaming in Agriculture, as well as MIND ID’s Roadmap on Coal Utilization.

“We hope this innovation can help farmers increase their harvest yields and contribute to building a more sustainable agricultural system,” Ajis continued.

The trial program is supported and supervised by expert teams from PT Bukit Asam Tbk and Gadjah Mada University.

Rahmat, a Field Agricultural Extension Officer, noted that facilities provided by PTBA—such as irrigation water pumps and the trial application of potassium humate—can be maximized by the community, which will later be organized into three farmer groups. He added that PTBA’s support could significantly improve agricultural productivity, with benefits directly felt by farmers.

Participants also welcomed the introduction of potassium humate. Marpawi, Head of the Ataran Keluekh Farmers Group, expressed his appreciation for PTBA’s ongoing support.

“We truly appreciate PTBA’s continuous support for farmers. Previously, we received water supply assistance that became the backbone of our agricultural activities, and now we have the opportunity to improve our harvests through potassium humate. This is clear evidence of PTBA’s sustainable guidance,” Marpawi said.

Through this initiative, PTBA hopes to strengthen collaboration with local communities in developing innovative, competitive, and sustainable agriculture around the company’s operational areas.