Local communities in Tepus Village, Gunungkidul Regency, took part in training to convert agricultural corn waste into biochar and briquettes during the Beasiswa Inspirasi Action Program on Thursday, 10 September 2026.

The initiative was organized by the Indonesian Inspiration Building Foundation (YIIM) together with PT Insight Investments Management and Dana Pensiun Perkebunan (DAPENBUN), in partnership with the UP2M team from Politeknik LPP Yogyakarta. The program addressed agricultural challenges by utilizing corn cobs and stalks that previously went unused across local farming settlements.

Soil Conditioners and Alternative Fuel

Agricultural biomass holds substantial value when managed effectively. Through pyrolysis, corn waste transforms into biochar, a biological charcoal that improves dry karst soil conditions, enhances moisture retention, and supports root aeration.

Beyond soil conditioning, processed biomass can be compacted into clean briquettes. These briquettes serve as affordable household fuel and offer local households an eco-friendly product with direct economic potential.

Practical Production and Equipment Handover

Participants engaged in hands-on sessions covering the entire conversion cycle. Farmers and residents operated a specialized biochar burner, milled the char, mixed organic binders, and pressed the mixture into uniform briquettes.

Post-training evaluations recorded marked gains in technical competence. Participants expressed that the hands-on instruction provided practical skills that can be readily continued within their neighborhood groups.

To sustain community production over the long term, the organizing partners handed over a complete set of equipment, including a pyrolysis burner, grinder, and briquette press. This equipment equips residents to independently process post-harvest biomass across upcoming seasons.

Applying Student Knowledge to Rural Communities

Through the Beasiswa Inspirasi Action Program, scholarship recipients work alongside rural farming groups. This direct field collaboration translates applied agricultural learning into community solutions, advancing sustainable resource management and rural self-reliance.

This initiative directly supports progress toward SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Salam Inspirasi!