InfoSAWIT, YOGYAKARTA – The Institute of Plantation and Agricultural Technology (INSTIPER) Yogyakarta has strengthened its reputation not only as a higher education institution but also as a hub for sustainable industry development. With a strong focus on plantation and forestry, INSTIPER continuously encourages both students and lecturers to pursue biomass-based innovations that support eco-friendly solutions.
Recently, two lecturers from the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Kuni Faizah, S.Si., M.Sc., and Dr. Dina Mardhatilah, S.Tp., M.Si., were awarded a patent for their research that transforms oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) and coconut husks into liquid smoke. This liquid smoke acts as a porous agent in gypsum board production, creating a naturally porous structure without hazardous chemicals.
“Oil palm EFB is often considered waste. However, through our research, we’ve managed to convert it into high-value liquid smoke for eco-friendly construction applications,” said Kuni Faizah, currently pursuing her PhD in Physics at Gadjah Mada University, in an official statement received by InfoSAWIT on Tuesday (27 May 2025).
The research applies pyrolysis at specific temperatures to produce the liquid smoke. Dr. Dina Mardhatilah, who recently completed her doctoral studies at the School of Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia, explained that the liquid contains compounds that support pore formation in gypsum, enhancing insulation and structural strength.
This achievement also reinforces INSTIPER’s position as a pioneer in palm-based innovation and sustainable agriculture. “Student involvement in this research provides not only valuable hands-on experience but also strengthens their qualifications to face increasingly complex industry challenges,” Faizah added.
With many partnerships across the plantation industry, graduates of INSTIPER’s Faculty of Agricultural Technology are expected to access promising career opportunities. This reflects the role of higher education in not only imparting knowledge but also creating innovative solutions that transform waste into high-value resources for industry and the environment. (T2)
