A group led by Hashim Djojohadikusumo, the brother of President Prabowo Subianto, is spearheading efforts to promote the use of biochar, a charcoal-like substance hailed for its ability to boost soil health by locking in nutrients, water and beneficial microbes. The initiative aims to turn Indonesia’s abundant agricultural and forestry waste into profit while offering a solution for sustainable farming. On July 7, an organization named the Indonesian International Biochar Association (ABII) was established to facilitate cooperative efforts and the strategic development of biochar in the country. Speaking to The Jakarta Post on July 16, ABII executive director Phil Rickard said that since its inception, the association had attracted hundreds of individuals and firms from the biochar industry to join its membership. He explained that Indonesia could produce around 30 million tonnes of biochar annually in the future. ABII chairman Hashim, who also owns the diversified conglomerate Arsari Group, operating across mining and other sectors, stated that with a selling price of US$300 per tonne, the projected production of 30 million tonnes of biochar could result in an economic value of $9 billion annually.Source : https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2025/07/25/hashim-bets-on-9b-biochar-potential-amid-literacy-logistics-hurdles.html (ICE GIACARTA)

Fonte notizia: The Jakarta Post, 25/07/2025