Jakarta, INTI - PT Sang Hyang Seri (Persero) is exploring business opportunities in low-carbon agriculture through the development of biochar technology. This biomass-based innovation has the potential to improve soil quality and crop productivity while creating new economic opportunities through carbon trading.
The initiative was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PT Sang Hyang Seri (Persero) and PT Legasi Alam Indonesia on research, innovation, and the dissemination of biochar technology in agriculture. The agreement was signed at Sang Hyang Seri’s headquarters, Graha Gabah, in Jakarta on Wednesday, October 14.
Sang Hyang Seri President Director Adhi Cahyono Nugroho and Legasi Alam Indonesia President Director Philip Cecil Rickard signed the agreement as an initial step toward exploring the development and application of biochar technology in Indonesia’s agricultural sector.
Adhi explained that improving agricultural productivity requires more than access to high-quality seeds. Soil conditions and the appropriate use of technology are also essential to achieving optimal and sustainable agricultural output.
“Strengthening the agricultural sector depends not only on the availability of high-quality seeds but also on soil quality and the application of appropriate technology. Through this collaboration, we aim to explore opportunities to develop biochar technology that can add value to agricultural productivity while supporting environmental sustainability,” Adhi said.
Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced by heating biomass under oxygen-limited conditions. In agriculture, it has the potential to improve soil quality, enhance the soil’s ability to retain water and nutrients, and support more sustainable land management practices.
For Sang Hyang Seri, biochar development is particularly relevant to rice cultivation. Beyond its potential to improve soil conditions and crop productivity, the technology could provide an entry point for business models that integrate agriculture with carbon management.
Biochar can potentially store carbon in soil over extended periods. If supported by appropriate measurement, reporting, and verification mechanisms, this long-term carbon storage could create opportunities for carbon credit development and carbon trading.
Adhi views this potential as a new source of added value for the company while strengthening agriculture’s contribution to emissions reduction efforts.
“Looking ahead, we see biochar not only as a technology that supports agricultural productivity but also as an opportunity to create new economic value through long-term carbon storage,” he explained.
He added that this presents an attractive opportunity for Sang Hyang Seri to develop agricultural innovations that deliver both economic benefits and positive environmental outcomes.
However, developing a carbon-related business will require further assessment, including the technical feasibility of biochar applications, carbon measurement and verification processes, and compliance with applicable carbon trading regulations.
Through the MoU, Sang Hyang Seri and Legasi Alam Indonesia agreed to explore cooperation in research and development, technology dissemination, education, and other mutually agreed areas.
Legasi Alam Indonesia Sees Potential in Sustainable Agriculture
Legasi Alam Indonesia President Director Philip Cecil Rickard welcomed the collaboration, emphasizing that biochar development requires synergy between technological research and the practical experience of businesses that understand the needs of the agricultural sector.
“We see significant potential for biochar technology to improve soil quality and support more sustainable agricultural practices,” Philip said.
Through the partnership with Sang Hyang Seri, he hopes to advance research and innovation that not only promotes technological progress but can also be implemented in practical ways to benefit the agricultural sector.
He expressed optimism that the collaboration could expand the adoption of biochar technology through innovative solutions tailored to real-world agricultural needs.
“We are optimistic that this synergy will create opportunities to develop more innovative and environmentally friendly agricultural solutions that deliver added value for farmers while supporting our shared efforts to strengthen national food security,” he added.
The partnership represents an initial step toward exploring how biochar technology can support more productive agriculture, improve environmental sustainability, and potentially establish new economic opportunities through long-term carbon storage and carbon trading.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Sang Hyang Seri and Legasi Alam Indonesia marks an initial step toward exploring biochar technology for more sustainable, low-carbon agriculture in Indonesia. By combining research, innovation, and practical agricultural applications, the partnership aims to improve soil quality, support crop productivity, and explore potential economic opportunities through long-term carbon storage and carbon trading. Further technical assessments and regulatory compliance will be essential to realizing these benefits and supporting national food security.
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