(from right) PLN Nusantara Power Up Paiton Business Support Manager, Sukarno, Senior Manager of Technology Transfer Office from the ITS Innovation Directorate, Ary Bachtiar KP ST MT PHD, and Head of Sumberejo Village, Muhammad Haris delivering remarks before carrying out training activities

Probolinggo, ITS News – Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) launched an earthquake-resistant house structure made from FABA (Fly Ash Bottom Ash) dust produced by PT PLN in Probolinggo, Tuesday (25/7). This earthquake-resistant house is called BIMA (Simple Instant Modular Building).

Senior Manager of Technology Transfer Office, Directorate of Innovation and ITS Science Technology Area, Ary Bachtiar KP ST MT PHD explained that this innovation is a clever breakthrough regarding dust from PLN waste usage. This innovation is not just a local solution but also has the potential to continue in other regions.

“Through this training, the community will be able to develop it themselves, thus opening up opportunities to improve the economy in a sustainable manner,” said the ITS Mechanical Engineering lecturer.

PT PLN Nusantara Power Up Paiton Business Support Manager, Sukarno, said that the BIMA innovation is crucial in reducing waste and increasing waste treatment efficiency within PLN. This innovation also presents economically valuable and environmentally friendly products, in line with PLN’s vision of contributing to environmental preservation.

Technologist Dr. Pujo Aji ST MT when presenting materials regarding innovative concepts in using FABA as the main ingredient in the manufacture of BIMA houses

One of the research members from ITS Civil Engineering, Dr Techn Pujo Aji ST MT detailed the innovative concept of using FABA as the main material in making BIMA houses. With a focus on sustainability, Pujo explained how this innovation can be an effective solution to reduce negative environmental impacts while providing economic benefits for society.

On this occasion, the residents of Sumberejo Village, Paiton, Probolinggo were also invited to have hands-on practice in making FABA lightweight concrete and bricks. Apart from that, they also practiced the method of making BIMA houses, which have been developed by ITS as a renewable innovation from processed waste. Guided by experts from ITS, the community tries to directly process FABA into high-quality materials that will later be used in earthquake-resistant house construction.

ITS lecturers directly practice making FABA lightweight concrete and bricks for training participants

The Head of Sumberejo Village, Muhammad Haris, was very grateful for the training in his area because Sumberejo is located in the Paiton PLTU area and is included in the area that received earthquake-resistant building assistance from the government. So the presence of this training provides new hope for the community.

The training participants were also provided with education about earthquake-resistant houses by Ir. Faimun MSc PhD, earthquake expert from ITS Civil Engineering. Faimun explained the general description of residential function buildings with examples of earthquake-resistant houses. He underlined the importance of building strong and safe structures in the face of potential earthquake disasters.

The team leader, Dr. Eng Yuyun Tajunnisa ST MT (seated far right) with ITS lecturers and students, along with the brick production and earthquake-resistant house structure training participants.

For the future, the Head of the Research Team, Dr Eng Yuyun Tajunnisa ST MT expresses the hope for BIMA innovation to create positive changes in the world of construction and the environment. With the Ministry of Education and Culture’s Vocational Kedaireka Rekapitch program between ITS in synergy with PLN, and the Politeknik Perkapalan Negeri Surabaya (PPNS), BIMA’s innovation has the potential to penetrate into other areas and open opportunities for improving the quality of people’s housing in a sustainable manner. (ITS PR)

Reporter : Lathifah Sahda

Translator : Hanifah Inayah