Let's Make Our Own Bio-Briquette

Alvon Laoli from Nias island, a student of Technology Institute of Yogyakarta, majoring in Environmental Engineering has a strong desire to share his knowledge and skills about bio-briquettes. Formerly, he joined a Renewable Energy training with a theme "Utilizing Renewable Energy: What Do We Can Do?" held by Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta. One of the visited spots is Sukunan, a village where they  learned and practiced bio-briquettes.

Bio-briquettes is made from recycled charcoal derived from the combustion of organic waste such as leaves, twigs, and wood. Actually it is easy enough to make it. First, crush the charcoal, put some water and mix them with starch flour. Next, put the dough into a 10 cm diameter pipe and press it with a hammer. Then the wet briquette is formed. The final step is drying process which takes 1-2 days. When the briquettes is little bit dry, they are ready to use. The principle of using bio-briquettes is the same as charcoal on 'anglo,' a traditional furnace. It is used as alternative energy source instead of gas and even it is more efficient than charcoal.

June 27, 2016  Alvon enthusiastically shared how to make bio-briquettes at the secretary of Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta. He did not hesitate to provide latex gloves for participants and demonstrated the process and the participants directly followed him. Imel, one of the participants from Sekadau, West Kalimantan said, "This knowledge and skill are very useful, especially for rural people who still rely on firewood, because it is unwise to use wood as firewood without conservation."

The discussion and workshop occurred interestingly. All participants got new understanding and simple skills to solve problems in their daily life. Bio-briquettes as 'alternative-energy' can be made by using organic wastes. It makes everyone not to be afraid of the increasing price of kerosene and gas. Charcoal remains as alternative material and bio-briquettes become effective and smart solution.

To all Stube HEMAT activists who were able to make bio-briquettes, let’s be a peer tutor and disseminate it to face the threat of energy crisis. Thank you Alvon Laoli. (SRB).