The Beginning 

Sudarman (52 years old), a resident of Mukti Sari Village, Tapung District, Kampar Regency, Riau Province, has a daily routine of going to the pen to feed his 9 cattle, cleaning the manure scattered on the floor of the pen, putting it into the inlet, and mixing it with water to fill his 10m3 home biogas. 

Sudarman is one of 20 users of home biogas from the Biogas-Based Independent Energy Village Program, which is a Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) Program of PT. Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PT PHR) in collaboration with Rumah Energi since 2022. He always shares his enthusiasm and commitment, as well as shares positive energy with the Mukti Sari Bina Group and the surrounding community in processing livestock waste, tofu waste, and organic waste into biogas raw materials. 

With the help of this technology, Sudarman is not only able to overcome the problem of unpleasant odors but also finds alternative energy sources that are clean and cheap. His cow dung waste, once considered a problem, has now become a blessing. 

Social Benefits 

“I used to have to share the unpleasant smell of cow dung with my neighbors, but since having biogas, I can now share gas for them to use for daily cooking and bio-slurry to fertilize vegetables and gardens, sometimes at night when the electricity goes out, the biogas lamp can light up the yard around the house so that mothers and children can chat and study on the terrace.” 

“This biogas is like a treasure hidden behind cow dung,” said Sudarman enthusiastically. “In addition to cooking, I also use biogas for lighting when the electricity goes out. The light from the biogas lamp makes the night at my house feel warmer and more intimate.” 

Other Income 

Over time, in addition to getting gas for daily cooking needs, Sudarman and other beneficiary residents can also get additional income in the form of cow dung residue that has gone through a fermentation process in a biogas reactor, which can now be utilized and processed into organic fertilizer. Even now, many people have started ordering fertilizer for their gardens and rice fields. In the end, the residents invited by Mr. Sudarman received additional income. 

“Now I can share my happiness with my neighbors and friends,” said Sudarman with a smile. 

An Inspiration for Many People 

Sudarman’s story is an inspiration for many people. He proves that with a little creativity and hard work, we can turn problems into opportunities. Biogas is not only a source of energy, but also a symbol of hope for rural communities to live better.