Amid the rising environmental issues caused by industrial waste, a collaboration in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, has successfully empowered the community to see economic opportunities in piles of waste ash. This innovation is known as KAMPOENG FABA, which was inaugurated on December 12, 2022, in Graha Indah Village.

This initiative is the result of a synergy between various parties, including the Kalimantan Institute of Technology (ITK), PT. PLN Nusantara Power, the East Kalimantan Regional Police, the Balikpapan City Government, and the Balikpapan City Regional House of Representatives. This pentahelix collaboration aims to find solutions for social, economic, and environmental issues that provide present benefits and have a positive impact in the future.

From Idea to Reality 

The idea behind Kampoeng FABA did not emerge suddenly. It was born from a collective concern about how to address the threat of waste while also improving the community's standard of living. This initiative was realized through the Kedaireka 2022 Matching Fund program, which was facilitated by Ir. Andika Ade Indra Saputra, Ir. Adrian Gunawan, and Ir. Intan Dwi Wahyu Setyo Rini.

PLN Nusantara Power as the PLTU operator, the Kalimantan Institute of Technology (ITK) as an academic partner, and the support from the government and community leaders became the main drivers in realizing this social project.

FABA Waste Becomes an Eco-Friendly Product 

Since its establishment, Kampoeng FABA has transformed into a waste-based innovation center. The community, who initially did not understand how to process FABA (Fly Ash and Bottom Ash), now produces various quality products such as bricks, paving blocks, cube roosters, and concrete panel fences. These products are made with a unique formula: 75% bottom ash, 10% fly ash, and only 15% cement. This formula results in products that are strong, durable, and, of course, eco-friendly. The products are sold at an affordable price, ranging from Rp2,500 to Rp3,500 per piece. A resident who is actively producing can earn an additional income of up to Rp3 million per month.

Achievements and Impact 

In March 2023, Kampoeng FABA won 1st Place in the Appropriate Technology Competition (TTG) at the Balikpapan city level. This award is not just a trophy and a certificate, but an acknowledgment of a community-based innovation that has proven capable of providing a solution to a national issue: waste management. This achievement has made Kampoeng FABA widely known, and requests for training and comparative studies have come from various regions in Kalimantan and Sulawesi.

ITK's role is very important in this project, ranging from providing technical advice, routine training, research assistance, to laboratory testing for product standardization. Students are also involved, making Kampoeng FABA a "living laboratory" for the development of sustainable technology.

Challenges and the Future 

Despite its success, Kampoeng FABA still faces challenges, especially in expanding its market. Its products are still mostly used in the local environment , and a more massive marketing strategy is needed to reach building supply stores, government projects, and e-commerce. Production capacity is also still limited due to the rudimentary equipment and limited workforce, so not all requests can be fulfilled. Nonetheless, support from the city government continues to arrive to help Kampoeng FABA develop further.

Seeing the potential and impact, many parties are encouraging the adoption of this innovation, spearheaded by a sustainable material research group consisting of Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Environmental Engineering programs, in other regions. As a national coal production center where coal is used as fuel for power plants, Kalimantan generates millions of tons of FABA every year. Imagine the immense impact that could be created if that much waste could be productively managed. PLN Nusantara Power has opened opportunities for other regions to emulate this model and is encouraging several parties to conduct replication studies of Kampoeng FABA so it can be adapted to the needs and characteristics of each area. Furthermore, the latest technology is being prepared to utilize 100% FABA waste without any cement at all, through the innovation of geopolymer technology, in support of creating robust and sustainable construction materials.