Press Release

Sawahlunto, October 27, 2026 – PT Bukit Asam (Persero) Tbk (PTBA), a member of the State-Owned Mining Industry Holding MIND ID, continues to strengthen its commitment to coal downstreaming innovations that deliver positive impacts to the community. In collaboration with Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), PTBA has launched a trial program using potassium humate fertilizer—a product derived from processed low-calorie coal—on farmland belonging to the Tampang Jaya Farmers Group in Talawi Mudik Village, Sawahlunto City, West Sumatra.

This initiative aims to test the effectiveness of potassium humate fertilizer in boosting unhusked rice (gabah) productivity while introducing an eco-friendly soil conditioner alternative to local farmers to help improve soil quality.

Corporate Secretary Division Head of PTBA, Eko Prayitno, emphasized that this step reflects the company’s commitment to supporting sustainability programs and creating added value from coal commodities beyond the energy sector.

"Coal downstreaming focuses not only on meeting energy needs but is also allocated toward productive sectors that directly impact the wider community, such as agriculture. Through this joint research and trial of potassium humate with UGM, PTBA aims to prove that science-based innovation can offer real solutions to support national food security while driving sustainable economic growth around our operational areas," said Eko.

Meanwhile, Asset Development Section Head of PTBA Ombilin Mining Unit, Sugiatno, expressed his optimism regarding the trial results on community farmlands in Sawahlunto.

"We certainly hope that by applying this potassium humate fertilizer, the unhusked rice yield of the farmers in the Tampang Jaya Farmers Group will increase. This is a concrete step by PTBA to maximize the benefits of mining downstreaming products so they serve not only internal operations, but also directly improve the livelihood of local farmers," Sugiatno explained.

The potassium humate fertilizer being tested contains high levels of essential potassium nutrients vital for supporting photosynthesis and increasing plant resilience against environmental stress. Furthermore, the use of potassium humate has the potential to restore the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil degraded by continuous chemical fertilizer use.

Previously, testing of this coal downstreaming product was successfully conducted in South Sumatra and several areas across Java, yielding satisfactory results aligned with research targets.

During the socialisation and technical education sessions, the UGM research team led by Anton Sujarwo and Nidha Nikmah Chairunnisa, shared practical guidelines on using potassium humate with local farmers. The program also received full appreciation and support from the City Government of Sawahlunto through its Department of Food Security, Agriculture, and Fisheries (DKP3), which deployed agricultural extension officers to monitor and guide the implementation process in the field.

Through this program, PTBA hopes the success of the trial in Sawahlunto will trigger the optimization of the local agricultural sector and serve as tangible proof of coal downstreaming's contribution toward supporting national food security.