The Ministry of Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia, in collaboration with ten partner universities including Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), is implementing the Patriot Expedition Team (TEP) 2026 Program. This initiative runs for four months, from August to November 2026, with the aim of conducting community service, empowerment, and research in transmigration areas. One of the program’s sites is Pulau Morotai, North Maluku, led by Dr. Yumechris Amekan, S.Si., M.Biotech., Ph.D., a microbiology lecturer at the Faculty of Agriculture UGM.
The Morotai team brings together diverse academic disciplines, involving UGM alumni and students from various study programs. From the Faculty of Agriculture, alumni of the Agricultural Extension and Communication Study Program (PKP) 2021, Abiyyu Rifqi Pratama, S.P., M.Sc. and Titi Nur Arofah, S.P., joined the team. Additional support comes from the Graduate School through Muhammad Maulidan, S.Pi., M.Sc. and Natasya Rahman, S.Tr.P., as well as from the Vocational School through Muhammad Ikhwan Dian, S.Tr.Geo.
Over the course of four months, the team will empower local communities by focusing on the management of agricultural and plantation waste into energy sources for households and communities. Coconut waste, such as husks and shells, will be processed into briquettes using closed combustion systems to reduce air pollution. Coconut water, which has not been optimally utilized, will be processed into nata de coco to create new economic opportunities. In addition, agricultural and household waste will be converted into cooking gas through biodigesters.
The program begins with a rapid assessment in the first month to map the potential of agricultural and plantation waste in the transmigration area. The findings will serve as the basis for designing and developing prototypes such as retort drums for carbonization and biodigesters for biomass utilization. In the second and third months, the team will focus on prototype development, monitoring, and evaluation of biomass utilization. In the fourth month, results will be disseminated to stakeholders, accompanied by the preparation of a biomass-based energy potential mapping document to be submitted to the local government as a reference for policy-making and resource development.
The Minister of Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia, Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara, emphasized that this program is part of the government’s major mission to develop transmigration areas. “A great mission, real work… significant impact for Indonesia,” he stated. Meanwhile, the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, expressed hope that the expedition team’s hard work would bring broad benefits. “May every drop of sweat and every effort become a blessing for Indonesia,” he remarked.
The TEP 2026 program in Morotai also highlights its tangible contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Bioenergy utilization supports SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, while new livelihood and economic opportunities contribute to SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. The development of biomass-based technologies supports SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, while sustainable waste management contributes to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. The use of biomass as an alternative energy source also supports SDG 13: Climate Action, while collaboration among government, academia, and local communities strengthens SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
With a spirit of collaboration and innovation, the Faculty of Agriculture UGM, together with the Ministry of Transmigration, is committed to strengthening community empowerment in transmigration areas, optimizing local resources, and promoting sustainable bioenergy-based development in Pulau Morotai.
Author: Beny Nabila Happy Fauziah
Editor: Tantriani
Dokumentation: Tim Patriot Pulau Morotai UGM