BALIKPAPAN – Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) brought together approximately 1,000 participants at the BINTANG Dissemination and SPECTA Exhibition III – BINTANG Discovery Day Innovation Expo, creating a collaborative platform that connected research, education, government, industry, and communities in promoting biomass as an environmentally friendly material for battery development.

Carrying the theme “Biomass for Sustainable Battery Innovation for Future Generations,” the event, held at the Auditorium of ITK’s Integrated Laboratory 1, went beyond showcasing research outputs. BINTANG Discovery Day was designed to bring innovation beyond the laboratory and closer to society through education, technology demonstrations, hands-on workshops, exhibitions, and strategic partnerships.

Participants came from a wide range of backgrounds, including students, university communities, local residents, government institutions, research organizations, and industry partners. The event involved six senior and vocational high schools in Balikpapan, namely SMA Negeri 4 Balikpapan, SMA Negeri 5 Balikpapan, SMA Negeri 7 Balikpapan, SMA Negeri 9 Balikpapan, SMK Negeri 6 Balikpapan, and SMK Swasta Setia Budi.

The program began with an introduction to the BINTANG Dissemination Program and ITK Electrochemistry Research Center by Dr. Eng. Yunita Triana, M.Si. Participants were introduced to the center’s research journey, ranging from the utilization of empty oil palm fruit bunch waste (TKKS), the development of battery materials, to the fabrication of pouch cell and coin cell battery prototypes.

A significant milestone of the event was the signing of Cooperation Agreements (PKS) between ITK and several strategic partners, including Yayasan Mitra Hijau, the East Kalimantan Regional Research Agency (BRIDA), Bapedalitbang Balikpapan, Bapedalitbang Paser, and partner schools in Balikpapan.

The collaboration reflects ITK’s commitment to expanding the impact of research while building an innovation ecosystem that connects universities with local governments, educational institutions, communities, and industry. Through these partnerships, research outcomes are expected to move beyond publications and laboratory prototypes toward broader dissemination, development, and practical application.

One of the highlights of BINTANG Discovery Day was the Eco-Friendly Battery Experiment Workshop. Participants had the opportunity not only to learn about battery technology but also to directly assemble pouch cell and coin cell battery prototypes made from TKKS-based materials with researchers from ITK’s Electrochemistry Research Center. The workshop was facilitated by Winardi Dian Wahyu Pratama, S.T. and M. Bintang Adiputra, S.T.

Scientific literacy was further strengthened through a series of knowledge-sharing sessions. Dr. M. Ir. H. Fitriansyah, S.T., M.M. discussed research and innovation as solutions for optimizing regional potential. Dicky Edwin Hindarto highlighted the potential of biomass waste as a renewable energy resource in East Kalimantan, while Sujono Cipto Trisno, M.Pd. explored the journey of biomass battery innovation from the laboratory to society.

The exhibition area also showcased a variety of research outputs developed by ITK’s Electrochemistry Research Center. Visitors were able to explore research posters, battery materials, pouch cell and coin cell prototypes, as well as innovations utilizing oil palm waste and other biomass resources.

The exhibition demonstrated how materials commonly regarded as waste can be transformed into value-added resources for future energy storage technologies. This approach also highlights the significant potential of East Kalimantan’s local biomass resources to support environmentally responsible technological innovation.

For ITK, BINTANG Dissemination represents a concrete effort to translate research into societal impact while strengthening scientific literacy among communities. The program underlines the importance of collaboration among researchers, students, government institutions, industry, and society in accelerating sustainable energy innovation.

With East Kalimantan possessing substantial biomass potential, the development of locally sourced battery materials opens new opportunities for energy research that is both environmentally sustainable and responsive to regional characteristics.

Through BINTANG Discovery Day, ITK continues to encourage research to move beyond the laboratory and evolve into innovations with tangible benefits for society.