Yogyakarta, April 25, 2026 – PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGE) (IDX: PGEO), together with the Faculty of Engineering, Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and PT Agrotekno Estetika Laboratoris, officially signed the Joint Study Development Agreement (JSDA) for the Beyond-Katrili Project as a strategic step in developing innovative, environmentally friendly geothermal-based agricultural boosters.
This initiative establishes Katrili as a concrete solution to address agricultural challenges and the need to increase agricultural productivity, particularly in areas surrounding geothermal operations, such as North Sulawesi. Through Project Katrili, the three parties integrate geothermal energy research with agricultural technology to produce a geothermal silica-based agricultural booster that can improve soil quality, strengthen plant resilience, and sustainably increase crop yields.
Andi Joko Nugroho, Director of Operations at PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk, emphasized that energy downstreaming is key to maximizing Indonesia's resource potential.
"This collaboration accelerates innovation and implements our vision of promoting sustainable development and national food security. Going forward, the geothermal business will focus not only on electricity but also on going beyond electricity, contributing to various sectors, including agriculture. We hope the Beyond-Katrili Project can become part of PGE's broader strategy, both to increase agricultural productivity and expand the use of geothermal energy. These efforts will continue to be strengthened through ongoing collaboration and research so that its benefits can be felt widely by the community," he said.
Katrili contains silica and chitosan, developed from waste shrimp and crab shells, which are abundant in Indonesia. Besides helping reduce waste, the chitosan in Katrili also protects plants and improves growth quality. It is simply mixed with water and sprinkled directly onto the soil, with dosages adjusted to soil characteristics and the type of commodity. Currently, Katrili has been applied to various commodities, such as the Gustavi tomato variety, batik beans, shallots, and rice.
Dean of the Faculty of Engineering (FT) at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Prof. Ir. Selo, Ph.D., stated, "Universities play a crucial role in bridging research and technology implementation in society. Therefore, the development of Katrili serves as a concrete example of energy and food integration, while strengthening Indonesia's position in the development of new and renewable energy amidst global dynamics."
From the supporting industry perspective, Alexander H. Soeriyadi, CEO of PT Agrotekno Estetika Laboratoris, sees the significant potential of silica content in improving plant resilience and crop quality. Meanwhile, a team of researchers from the FT UGM, led by Dr. Pri Utami ensured that this innovation is based on a cross-disciplinary scientific approach, combining geology, pharmacy, and agriculture to produce applicable and sustainable solutions.
Overall, the Katrili project demonstrates the strategic role of the Faculty of Engineering, Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in generating impactful innovations through collaboration with industry. The integrated utilization of geothermal energy with the agricultural sector is a crucial step in promoting energy independence, food security, and inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Indonesia.
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About PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk
PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGE) (IDX: PGEO) is part of the Power & New Renewable Energy (PNRE) Subholding of PT Pertamina (Persero), which operates in the exploration, exploitation, and production of geothermal energy. PGE currently manages 15 Geothermal Working Areas with an installed capacity of 1,932 MW, consisting of 727 MW operated and managed directly by PGE and 1,205 MW managed under a Joint Operating Contract (JOC). The installed geothermal capacity in PGE's working areas accounts for approximately 70% of Indonesia's total installed geothermal capacity, with the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 10 million tons of CO2 per year.
As a world-class green energy company, PGE aims to create value by maximizing the end-to-end management of geothermal potential and its derivative products and participating in the national and global decarbonization agenda to support Indonesia's net-zero emission target by 2060. PGE has excellent ESG credentials, with 20 Gold PROPER awards from 2011 to 2026 from the Ministry of Environment/Environmental Control Agency. PGE is also a company with very low ESG risk, which places it as number 1 out of 679 companies in the Global Utilities Sector in the Sustainalytics ESG Risk Rating.
