PALMOILMAGAZINE, BELITUNG – A compost fertilizer made from Fly Ash and Bottom Ash (FABA) is undergoing field trials in an oil palm plantation in Belitung, marking a step forward in developing environmentally friendly and cost-effective fertilization solutions for the plantation sector.
The pilot project was carried out at an oil palm demonstration plot managed by Class IIB Tanjungpandan Correctional Facility (Lapas) in Cerucuk Village, Belitung Regency. The initiative follows a series of FABA compost production training programs provided to inmates at Tanjungpandan Correctional Facility and clients of the local Probation Office (Bapas).
Ten oil palm trees were selected for the initial trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the compost in supporting plant growth while demonstrating proper application techniques under field conditions.
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Head of Class IIA Pangkalpinang Correctional Facility, Sugeng Indrawan, said the trial aims to validate the performance of the institution’s FABA compost innovation under actual plantation conditions in Belitung.
He noted that successful results could pave the way for wider adoption across other regions while strengthening inmate empowerment programs through the production of value-added agricultural products.
The field demonstration was attended by Head of the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections (Ditjenpas) of Bangka Belitung Islands, Ade Agustina, Head of Tanjungpandan Correctional Facility Royhan Al Faisal, and Head of Tanjungpandan Probation Office Muhamad Irfani. The officials participated directly in applying the compost to oil palm trees, highlighting institutional support for the innovation.
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According to an official statement obtained by PalmOilMagazine.com on Monday (July 20, 2026), Ade Agustina described the collaboration between correctional institutions and the probation office as an example of how inter-agency cooperation can generate innovations that benefit both inmate rehabilitation and local communities.
She explained that the utilization of FABA compost not only equips inmates with practical skills and promotes self-reliance but also supports national food security initiatives, advances the circular economy, and contributes to more sustainable agricultural practices.
Meanwhile, Royhan Al Faisal welcomed the implementation of the innovation in Belitung, emphasizing that practical field demonstrations are essential to ensure the knowledge gained during training can be effectively applied.
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He expressed hope that the pilot project would become the foundation for expanding the use of FABA compost across other agricultural demonstration farms and eventually into the broader plantation sector.
The growth performance of the ten oil palm trees will be closely monitored and evaluated before the compost is introduced to additional agricultural commodities throughout Bangka Belitung Province.
Beyond the field trial, the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections also distributed compost fertilizer to ten farmers in villages supported by Tanjungpandan Correctional Facility. The assistance is expected to improve agricultural productivity while encouraging the sustainable use of locally available resources.
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Ade stated that the assisted village program reflects the correctional system’s broader commitment to community development. Rather than focusing solely on inmate rehabilitation, the initiative also promotes collaboration with village administrations and local residents to generate wider social and economic benefits.
She added that compost application is expected to improve soil health, increase crop yields, and reduce farmers’ dependence on chemical fertilizers, ultimately supporting more environmentally sustainable farming systems.
During the same event, Ade emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among Tanjungpandan Correctional Facility, village governments, and local communities to unlock regional economic potential and ensure the long-term sustainability of community development programs.
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One of the recipient farmers, Ibnu, expressed appreciation for the assistance, saying he hopes the compost will improve soil fertility while providing a more efficient and affordable alternative to conventional chemical fertilizers.
Through the FABA compost innovation and its assisted village program, Indonesia’s correctional institutions aim to help establish more productive, self-sufficient, and competitive agricultural communities while strengthening partnerships between correctional facilities and local stakeholders in support of sustainable agricultural development. (P2)
