Scientific Oration by Prof. Toto Hardianto: Development of Alternative Solid Fuels for Sustainable Energy in Indonesia
By Devi Berliana Pratiwi - Mahasiswa Sains dan Teknologi Farmasi
Editor M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.
BANDUNG, itb.ac.id – Prof. Dr. Ir. Toto Hardianto, a distinguished professor from the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (FTMD) at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), delivered a scientific oration titled "Development of Alternative Solid Fuels for Sustainable Energy in Indonesia”, held at the West Hall on Saturday (July 19, 2025).
In his address, he presented research focused on coal and biomass, covering topics such as the roadmap for alternative fuel development, the creation of a national energy management system model, advancements in coal upgrading technology, the conversion of peat into coal-equivalent solid fuels, and biomass conversion into solid fuels equivalent to coal.
For over a century, energy needs have been met primarily by fossil fuels. However, fossil fuel reserves are finite and pose serious environmental risks, including global warming and climate change. Therefore, alternative fuels or energy sources are essential to ensure a sustainable future.
According to the Indonesia Energy Outlook, the country’s primary energy supply consists of both fossil and non-fossil sources. Fossil-based energy, particularly coal, is projected to account for over 40% of the primary energy supply. Meanwhile, non-fossil sources, such as renewable and new energy—specifically bioenergy and biofuels—are expected to contribute over 60%.
One of the driving factors behind this research is the significant role played by the electricity generation, transportation, and industrial sectors in CO2 emissions. Prof. Toto has developed an Energy Management System Model that upholds the three pillars of sustainability: economic, social, and environmental. The system includes economic milestones based on GDP per capita targets for 2045, environmental milestones aiming for CO2 emission targets by 2050, and social milestones related to increased employment in the energy sector.
ITB has partnered with PT. Pamapersada Nusantara to develop Coal Upgrading Technology (CUT) and establish a pilot plant. Indonesia possesses coal resources totaling 35 billion tons, most of which are classified as Low-Rank Coal. Therefore, improving its quality by reducing moisture content and compressing it into briquettes is necessary.
Prof. Toto also discussed the conversion of peat into coal-equivalent solid fuels through torrefaction. Indonesia holds the third-largest peat reserves in the world—200 billion tons—after Canada and Russia. Peat is the precursor to coal, formed through the natural processes of peatification and coalification.
He highlighted the breakthrough in accelerating the coalification process from hundreds of years to just 30 minutes. “Together with Ir. Haryadi, M.T., and Prof. Dr. Ir. Aryadi, we successfully patented the process of producing solid fuels from peat via torrefaction,” he stated.
In addition, he presented the development of biomass conversion technology into coal-equivalent solid fuels using hydrothermal and torrefaction processes. Indonesia's renewable energy potential in bioenergy is dominated by biomass, with a capacity of 52.0 GW. In this study, Prof. Toto focused on biomass derived from the organic fraction of municipal waste and biomass residues. Alongside Prof. Dr. Ir. Aryadi, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ari Darmawan, and Dr. Amrul, he patented a method for producing high-calorific solid fuel from municipal waste using simultaneous torrefaction, along with the resulting product.
