In a significant event marking the advancements in renewable energy and entrepreneurship, Rifqi Al-Ghifari, Co-founder of BANANA & Partners, recently graced the Roadshow to Shell LiveWIRE Energy Solution 2024. This event not only highlighted the strides made in the energy sector but also celebrated BANANA & Partners’ remarkable victory as the Winner of the Shell LiveWIRE Energy Solution 2022. The roadshow was a melting pot of ideas and insights, featuring prominent figures like Andri Pratiwa (Managing Director of Lubricants at Shell Indonesia), Ghiandi Utoyo (GM Marketing – Low Carbon Solution Marine Shell), Yusiran from Aquavoltaic, Irvan Farasatha of Powerbrain, Trisna Wardhani (Social Investment Advisor at Shell Indonesia), and Yulianto Soeharto from SBM ITB.

Rifqi Al-Ghifari, sharing his journey, spoke about the challenges and triumphs encountered by BANANA & Partners. Their story is not just about victory but about perseverance, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of sustainable solutions in the energy sector. The audience was captivated by the narrative of how their business model and strategies shaped their journey to success.

The Shell LiveWIRE Energy Solutions program is more than a competition; it’s a cradle for nurturing young entrepreneurial minds in Indonesia, focusing on new and renewable energy (EBT). The program aims to bolster the capabilities of young entrepreneurs eager to address energy challenges through innovative business solutions. Indonesia’s potential for renewable energy, notably Solar Energy with a potential of 3,295 GigaWatts and Geothermal Energy at 23 GigaWatts, is immense, yet current utilization stands at 322.6 MegaWatts for Solar and 2,373.1 MegaWatts for Geothermal Energy, indicating a vast scope for growth.

Adding to their list of accolades, BANANA & Partners also received recognition from Shell Global at the Shell Top Ten Innovator Global Competition 2022 held in Mexico City, Mexico. Their project, PANDORA, is a testament to the viability of Waste-to-Energy solutions, proving that such concepts can not only enter the market but thrive and evolve.   The Roadshow to Shell LiveWIRE Energy Solution 2024 was not just an event; it was a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and environmentalists. It showcased how ideas, when nurtured and executed well, can lead to substantial changes in the energy sector. With the likes of Rifqi Al-Ghifari and BANANA & Partners leading the charge, the future of renewable energy in Indonesia looks bright and promising.

The Roadshow to Shell LiveWIRE Energy Solution 2024 was not just an event; it was a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and environmentalists. It showcased how ideas, when nurtured and executed well, can lead to substantial changes in the energy sector. With the likes of Rifqi Al-Ghifari and BANANA & Partners leading the charge, the future of renewable energy in Indonesia looks bright and promising.

Jakarta, December 20, 2023 – As we at BANANA & Partners extend our warmest congratulations to Pertamina Patra Niaga DPPU Sepinggan for their remarkable achievement in winning the PROPER Gold Award in the 2023 Corporate Performance Rating Program (PROPER), we also reflect on our shared journey. DPPU Sepinggan has not only been a beacon of sustainability and innovation but also a witness to the inception and growth of BANANA & Partners from its very beginning.

This award, announced in Jakarta on December 20 by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), is not only a symbol of achievement for Pertamina Patra Niaga DPPU Sepinggan but also a milestone in our shared history. As pioneers in our respective fields, we have watched each other grow, innovate, and set benchmarks in sustainability and responsible business practices.

The journey of DPPU Sepinggan, marked by their unwavering commitment to green economic principles and sustainable development, mirrors the ethos we uphold at BANANA & Partners. Their innovative programs like Yuk Kawal IKN-Sejiwa, which we have observed and admired, align perfectly with our belief in integrating social responsibility and environmental stewardship into successful business models.

As they achieve this significant milestone, we reflect on how DPPU Sepinggan has been part of our narrative since our inception. Their achievements inspire us and reinforce our belief that sustainability and business success must coexist. We are proud to have witnessed their journey, contributing where we could, and learning from their commitment to excellence and innovation.

Pertamina’s national level achievement of winning 34 PROPER Gold and 76 PROPER Green Awards further cements their role as industry leaders and aligns with our shared vision of sustainable business practices. Special recognition to Nicke Widyawati for receiving the Green Leadership Utama Award also highlights the visionary leadership that drives our collective goals towards environmental, social, and governance excellence.

In celebrating this momentous occasion, BANANA & Partners is not just applauding a partner but also acknowledging a journey we have shared since our early days. We look forward to continuing this journey, supporting each other’s missions, and reaching new heights of innovation and sustainability. Congratulations, Pertamina Patra Niaga DPPU Sepinggan, on this remarkable achievement. Your success is a beacon for us all.

#PertaminaPatraNiagaExcellence #PROPERGold2023 #BANANAandPartnersJourney #SustainableInnovation #GreenBusinessPioneers #EcoFriendlyLeaders    #SharedSuccessStory #SustainabilityMilestones #EnvironmentalLeadership #IndonesiaGreenVision

Jakarta [December 2023] – Herry Wijaya, CEO of BANANA & Partners, has been honored with the ‘Local Hero’ award at the prestigious Indonesia CSR Award (ICA) 2023, organized by the Corporate Forum for CSR Development (CFCD). The award was presented by Thendri Supriatno, Chairman of CFCD, recognizing Herry’s effective collaboration with CSR Pertamina Patra Niaga Kalimantan.

This ‘Local Hero’ award highlights Herry Wijaya’s significant role in promoting sustainable practices, particularly in the Kalimantan region. This achievement has further motivated the CEO and the team at BANANA & Partners to continue innovating and contributing significantly to the world of sustainability. “This award is a catalyst for us to keep growing and do even more in 2024,” said Herry.

“I am deeply grateful for the remarkable collaboration we have had with Pertamina Patra Niaga. This partnership has been instrumental in our journey towards sustainable development and has significantly contributed to our success. The synergy between our teams has not only enhanced our capabilities but also allowed us to make meaningful strides in our commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone at Pertamina Patra Niaga for their unwavering support, shared vision, and dedication to making a positive impact on our community and the environment.” said herry

At the ICA 2023 event, four main award categories were presented. Besides the ‘Local Hero’ category, other awards included ‘Best Local Hero 1’ in circular economy, ‘Best Local Hero 1’ in women’s empowerment, and two awards in the development of Community Development Officer (leadership).

The award ceremony attracted participation from 32 companies and 9 individual participants in the ICA category, while in the ISDA category, there were 101 companies and 14 individual participants. In total, there were 72 ICA programs including individuals and 172 ISDA programs.

The assessment standard for these awards is based on SNI ISO 26000:2013, a guideline for social responsibility that serves as an important reference in organizational operations. This international standard not only helps organizations to comply with legal requirements but also encourages a broader contribution to sustainable development, going beyond legal compliance.

This year’s ICA theme, “One World One Responsibility Toward Sustainable Business Leadership (ESG & CSV) in Excellence,” is highly relevant to global CSR and sustainability trends, especially in terms of ESG (Environmental Social Governance) and CSV (Creating Shared Values) leadership. This theme reflects CFCD’s commitment to positively contribute to promoting sustainable and responsible business practices.

This award is not only a recognition of Herry Wijaya and BANANA & Partners’ efforts in implementing sustainability principles but also serves as an inspiration for other companies to take similar steps in advancing environmental and social sustainability in Indonesia.

On July 8, 2023, BANANA & Partners conducted a comprehensive training on the conversion of waste cooking oil into biodiesel for fishing boat engines in the village of Anggana, Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan. This event witnessed participation from various sections of the community including local fishermen, residents, students from the Mulawarman University Community Service Program (KKN), and environmental activists from Anggana.

The initiative was executed in collaboration with Pertamina Hulu Mahakam, through their Community Development Officer (CDO) and their Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) team. The ultimate goal of the program was to equip the community with knowledge and skills to transform waste cooking oil into a form of renewable energy that could be readily used and could have a direct, positive impact on their lives.

Converting waste cooking oil into biodiesel may sound like a complex process, but with the right knowledge and tools, it can be quite straightforward. The process involves the following steps:

1. Collection and filtration: The waste cooking oil is collected and then filtered to remove food particles and other impurities.
2. Preparation of the reaction mixture: The filtered oil is heated and mixed with an alcohol, usually methanol, and a catalyst, typically a strong base like sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.
3. Transesterification: The heated mixture is then left to react, a process called transesterification, where the triglycerides in the oil react with the alcohol to form esters (biodiesel) and glycerol.
4. Separation: After the reaction is complete, the mixture is allowed to settle. The biodiesel floats to the top and the glycerol sinks to the bottom. These are then separated.
5. Purification: The biodiesel is then washed and dried to remove any remaining catalyst, alcohol, or glycerol. The end product is ready-to-use biodiesel, a cleaner-burning, renewable substitute for petroleum diesel.

This conversion process, while it may seem simple, can have a profound impact on communities like those in Anggana, providing a sustainable solution to energy needs while tackling environmental issues stemming from waste oil disposal. BANANA & Partners’ endeavor in promoting such green initiatives not only empower the local communities but also contribute towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

From Titik Nol Nusantara, in Ibukota Negara (IKN) located in Sepaku Subdistrict, North Penajam Paser Regency (PPU), East Kalimantan Province (Kaltim), World Environment Day was commemorated on June 5, 2023. BANANA & Partners, represented by Herry Wijaya, were invited by Mulawarman University (UNMUL) in collaboration with the Indonesian Professor Association (API) to hold an event called “Youth Care Action and Dialogue” with the theme of “IKN Minimizes Plastic Waste”.

The theme for World Environment Day this year is associated with controlling pollution or contamination from plastic waste. Hence, the representative of IKN urged all stakeholders involved in IKN’s development to begin socializing and adopting a lifestyle that minimizes waste.

In the same location, the initiator of this program and also a member of API, Prof. Dr. Esti Handayani Hardi, S.Pi., M.Si stated that waste has become a significant problem because it can impact economically, ecologically, and security-wise if not properly managed.

The larger the population and development, the more waste will be generated. Therefore, society must be aware and intensify waste management efforts.

“We’ve wanted to hold an action event like today’s for a long time. Initially, we wanted to clean up the waste in the Balikpapan Bay area. However, due to time constraints, we’re starting by collecting waste in the IKN area. We will continue to oversee IKN’s development so it doesn’t generate waste that could harm the environment. UNMUL will regularly visit to monitor,” said the Coordinator of the Doctoral Program in Environmental Science at UNMUL.

In addition to waste cleanup actions, the event also involved a dialogue involving students, East Kalimantan’s Miss Indonesia 2023 Natasya Priyanka, CEO of Banana & Partners Herry Wijaya, Director of Environmental Affairs and Disaster Management of IKN, Onesimus Patiung, and Professor Esti Handayani Hardi. One of the Mulawarman University students, Suryanti Ramdhani, also participated as a speaker in this dialogue.

During this dialogue, Herry Wijaya emphasized the importance of a sustainable ecosystem, one aspect of which is waste management as a support for the circular economy in IKN, and promoting a sustainable system through multi-sectoral cooperation.

“It’s time for us to change our mindset. We are no longer “locals”; IKN and its surrounding cities will become the focus of attention for Indonesia, ASEAN, Asia, even the world; hence we mustn’t lag behind in terms of knowledge, technology, and the will to advance,” stated Herry Wijaya.

BANANA & Partners continues to monitor the mega IKN project, which is being built according to the plan of the IKN Authority. They continually support sustainable projects that prioritize social, economic, and environmental impacts for sustainable prosperity.

In a remarkable collaboration aimed at empowering local fishermen and promoting sustainable practices, BANANA & Partners joined forces with PERTAMINA PHE OSES to support the Pelaut Tangguh program. This initiative, launched in 2022, focuses on enhancing the well-being and knowledge of fishing communities, ultimately fostering their self-reliance.

On June 23, 2023, Rifqi Al-Ghifari, representing BANANA & Partners, conducted an engaging session on wood waste management in shipbuilding and docking with over five fishing groups from Pulau Harapan, Pulau Kepala, and Pulau Kepala Dua. Shipbuilding has been a longstanding tradition in Pulau Kelapa and Kelapa Dua, as the majority of the local population depends on fishing as their primary livelihood. With more than a ton of wood waste accumulating each month, the program aims to reduce waste and boost the community’s economic opportunities.

The event also featured the presence of Mr. Achmad from Pulau Karimun Jawa, who introduced an innovative and environmentally friendly fishing trap called “bubu.” This program specifically targeted hook and shoot fishermen, providing them with additional fishing techniques and promoting the use of nylon plastic waste as a substitute for coral reefs in the bubu’s construction.

Together with representatives from PERTAMINA PHE OSES, Mr. Baskoro and Mr. Dibyo, the fishing communities expressed their hopes for continuous and sustainable development, particularly in improving their living standards. BANANA & Partners is committed to being a reliable partner to PERTAMINA PHE OSES, providing cutting-edge technology and empowering the local workforce to effectively manage wood waste and transform it into marketable products. This partnership aims to foster a competitive business mindset within the community.

“We extend our gratitude to PERTAMINA PHE OSES for inviting us and allowing us the opportunity to share and network with more than five fishing groups. We witnessed immense potential in Pulau Kelapa and Kelapa Dua to create a sustainable island, generating significant social, economic, and environmental impact on the surrounding communities.”

“We remain dedicated to supporting the Pelaut Tangguh program in creating sustainable prosperity.”

Let us come together and make a profound impact on coastal communities while building a sustainable ecosystem with BANANA & Partners.

By infusing this article with a narrative that emphasizes the collaborative efforts, transformative goals, and the potential for creating a lasting impact on the community, the story becomes more engaging and captures the reader’s attention.

Taipei, Taiwan – BANANA & Partners, represented by its Chief Business Officer, Rifqi Al-Ghifari, embarked on a journey to the vibrant city of Taipei in Taiwan to participate in the “APEC Digital Innovation to Facilitate SMEs’ Green Transformation” event, held over two days from June 13th to 14th, 2023. BANANA & Partners joined representatives from APEC member countries’ governments, along with 17 startups from diverse nations including Taiwan, Peru, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, and Indonesia.

During the event, BANANA & Partners had the opportunity to showcase their innovations, deliver pitches, and connect with potential partners and investors from various countries. The main event took place at the prestigious National Taiwan University, where entrepreneurs and stakeholders converged to explore avenues for sustainable growth. Additionally, BANANA & Partners had the privilege of visiting the Nangkang Software Incubator and engaging in cultural activities that highlighted Taiwan’s rich heritage.

“For us, this was a rare and invaluable opportunity to participate in the APEC event and introduce our innovations and startups. Personally, I am deeply impressed by the startup ecosystem in Taipei, Taiwan. They possess a strong global mindset and a profound focus on technology, giving them a competitive advantage in the global market,” said Rifqi.

The event, inaugurated on June 13th, 2023, by Mr. Chern-Chyi “C.C.” Chen, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (Chinese Taipei), Mr. Hattori Takashi, Deputy Representative of JTEA, and Mr. Nicholas Dwyer, Economic Officer at AIT, encompassed not only showcases and exhibitions but also keynote speeches, policy dialogues, and panel discussions. The keynote speeches were delivered by Mr. Dan Stevenson, Senior Director of Microsoft Teams Engineering for Asia (U.S.), and Mr. Kung-Yueh Camyale Chao, Executive Director of the International Climate Development Institute (Chinese Taipei). Policy dialogues featured representatives from the Industrial Technology Research Institute, Research and Development at the Ministry of Economic Affairs (Chinese Taipei), the Korea SMEs & Startups Institute, and Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation from Japan.

On the final day, BANANA & Partners seized the opportunity to showcase several low-carbon initiatives and empowerment impacts initiated since 2020. Alongside 17 other startups, this occasion served as a platform to establish connections and gain deeper insights into the progress of startups within the APEC region. Afterwards, Rifqi visited the Nangkang Software Incubator, which has nurtured over 30 startups that have successfully secured funding in Taiwan, while also supporting a sustainable ecosystem for startup founders in the country.

“Having witnessed the tremendous support from the government, private sector, and business climate in Taiwan, I am inspired to continue developing BANANA & Partners in terms of innovation and global partnerships,” expressed Rifqi. “I would also like to extend my gratitude to the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, particularly to Ms. Lely Hiswendari, for accompanying me throughout the trip and assisting SMEs and startups in Indonesia to progress.”

BANANA & Partners’ commitment to creating both local and global impact serves as a significant foundation for sustainable prosperity. To stay updated on the latest developments from BANANA & Partners, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

#ForSustainableProsperity

Biochar is produced by heating biomass and converting it to a more stable form. Biomass is all organic compounds derived from agricultural crops, algae and organic waste. 30-50% carbon is contained in the biomass. Of this amount, 4.4% is in exhaust gases, 0.01% in the atmosphere, and 80% in biochar.

Avoiding burning prevents dilution of carbon by 10x – 4,000x. Biomass carbonization can instead concentrate 2x as much carbon. The conversion of 50% of the carbon represents for optimizing crop yields of biochar, not in energy.

The problem lies with CO2, where 1 t C pure carbon = 3.66 t CO2. Addressing this problem at its root means preventing carbon atoms from becoming CO2 molecules. There are 6 very relevant carbon removal options:

-Afforestation/Reforestation
-Build-up of soil organic matter
-Biochar Carbon Removal (BCR)
-Enchanced Weathering
-Bioenergy with Carbon Capture & Storage (BECCS): Utilizing agricultural organic waste to produce energy.
-Direct Air Carbon Capture and Storage (DACCS): Carbon capture technology that filters and reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions directly from the air by using high-powered fans.

The last 4 options are permanent carbon removal, one of which is Biochar Carbon Removal (BCR) which is a system for removing carbon in the sky and placing it permanently into the ground. Using biochar as a carbon storage agent is by far the most efficient method of carbon removal because it only removes carbon, not entire CO2 molecules.

BCR is of the highest quality and stability. The stability of carbon in biochar is verified by a third party against the stringent standards of the European Biochar Certificate and verified by a third party through bio-inspecta GmbH according to the strict puro.earth Biochar methodology.

Application of biochar also yielded agricultural benefits and demonstrated a 9.6% increase in plant height for 2009 biochar carbon sequestration and a 33% yield increase from dry sandy soils from 2010 (ecoera.se).

The wide range of biomass suitable for carbonization includes wood, straw, coconut shell, twigs and algae. Currently, the application of biochar is applied in urban areas, agriculture, as well as construction materials.

Currently, biochar production in Europe is moving very fast. The European Biochar market has grown strongly and will continue to grow. At the end of 2022 Biochar production capacity is 53,000 t and Biochar production is approximately 33,500 t (equivalent to more than 90,000 t CO2e). And By the end of 2023, Biochar production capacity in Europe will increase to 90,000 t and production in 2023 is expected to exceed 50,000 t (equivalent to almost 150,000 t CO2e). This is the cumulative number of Biochar production plants in Europe.

• By end of 2022, the cumulative number of production plants in Europe has grown to 130 installations
• Until the end of 2023, the cumulative number of production plants in Europe is expected to grow to 180 installations
• Many further projects (some of them quite large) are in an advanced planning and permitting process for commissioning in 2024

The recovery and use of biochar is increasing in a variety of applications, with the material offering significant added value, but remains a challenge and requires policy and regulatory support to develop an offtake market in parallel with increasing production.

source: EBI (European Biochar Industry) Market Report 2022/2023