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Held under the theme “Biomass Utilization: Challenges and Solutions,” the forum brought together more than 90 participants from ten countries, including China, Japan, Finland, Italy, Estonia, Kazakhstan, Canada, Czech Republic, Sweden, and Indonesia as the host nation. This event served as a strategic platform for strengthening clean energy research, advancing power generation technologies, and accelerating the downstream implementation of innovation through academic and industrial synergy.

ITB as the Host of a Global Energy Forum

The initiative to host the 91st IEA-FBC TCP began after delegates from PPEBT and FTMD ITB attended the previous meeting in Nanjing, China, in April 2025. During that event, ITB expressed its interest in becoming an active member and volunteered to host the 91st IEA-FBC TCP Meeting. The opportunity holds significant importance for Indonesia, as the country does not yet have permanent representation within the IEA-FBC TCP network. By hosting this forum, ITB aims to become the first and only official representative from Indonesia in this global energy collaboration platform.

Four Days of International Activities

The 91st IEA-FBC TCP Meeting opened with technical sessions led by international delegations and national industry partners, including PT PLN, PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper, and PT Cikarang Listrindo. Throughout these sessions, participants discussed various innovations in Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) technology—an efficient low-emission combustion system for biomass and low-grade coal that aligns with global clean energy and Net Zero Emission 2060 objectives.

Participants came from diverse backgrounds, including academia, international researchers, energy industry representatives, research institutions, and government agencies. They actively engaged in technical presentations, collaborative discussions, and knowledge exchanges focusing on clean energy innovation, power generation technologies, and the real-world application of research.

The forum also featured prominent figures in energy technology, including Prof. Emeritus Bo G. Leckner from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, a world-renowned expert in combustion and fluidized bed technology. With decades of research experience, his presence enriched strategic discussions and provided valuable insights.

The first day also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between FTMD ITB, Tsinghua University, and PT Datong Jaya Indonesia, establishing the Thermal Power Innovation Consortium (TEPIC). This consortium focuses on strengthening research collaboration, technology transfer, and the translation of innovation into practical solutions in the energy sector. The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Rector of ITB, Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, M.T.

In addition to academic collaboration, the 91st IEA-FBC TCP Meeting received support from international technology companies such as Wuhan Yongping Technology Co., Ltd., Jiangsu Xinfangyuan Electric Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd., and Jiangsu Huineng Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. Their involvement strengthened the event’s emphasis on advancing research toward practical use and supporting innovation within the energy sector.

Beyond technical sessions, participants experienced Indonesia’s cultural and natural heritage through visits to Saung Angklung Udjo, Kawah Putih Ciwidey, and a tour of the Circulating Fluidized Bed-based Babelan Power Plant owned by PT Cikarang Listrindo. These activities not only showcased national energy innovation but also strengthened academic, cultural, and industrial diplomacy.

Strategic Aspirations and Strengthening Global Collaboration

The event was initiated by the Head of PPEBT, Prof. Ir. Ari Darmawan Pasek, Ph.D., and chaired by Dr. Eng. Firman Bagja Juangsa, S.T., M.Eng. The organizing team consisted of Dr. Eng. Gea Fardias Mumin, Ilman Nuran Zaini, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., Ir. Poetro Lebdo Sambegoro, M.Sc., Ph.D., as well as representatives from PT Datong Jaya Indonesia, Bayu Aji Prakoso, MBA.

FTMD views the 91st IEA-FBC TCP Meeting not merely as an academic event, but as a strategic milestone to strengthen international collaboration and bridge research with industrial needs and public policy. Through partnerships with global universities and industry sectors, FTMD aims to drive energy research toward practical application and broader real-world impact.

“Our hope is for ITB, through FTMD and PPEBT, to become a permanent member of the IEA-FBC TCP. This forum opens the door to the global energy technology network. If ITB can become Indonesia’s official representative, the impact will extend not only to the campus but also to the national energy ecosystem,” said Dr. Gea.

He added, “Collaborations like this must continue so that our research can shift toward real implementation—addressing the needs of the energy sector, industry, and society.”

The hosting of the 91st IEA-FBC TCP Meeting at ITB reaffirmed Indonesia’s role in global clean energy and power generation technology discussions. More than just an academic forum, the event served as a gateway to research internationalization, the advancement of technology toward practical use, and the strengthening of Indonesia’s position within the global energy ecosystem. Moving forward, FTMD ITB hopes that this collaboration will continue and produce breakthrough research that benefits both the nation and the world.

Reporter: Mely Anggrini (Meteorology, 2022)