Three Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) students have advanced as finalists in the 39th National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS) by proposing a coastal industrial network designed to position Indonesia as a global supplier of green energy. The team’s project, titled “ALGAE ARCHIPELAGO 2045,” was selected on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, under the Futuristic Written Ideas (PKM-GFT) category, Media Berita Bangsa reported.
Project Focus on Sustainable Aviation Fuel
The student team—Iqlima Abdul Rokhim and Shofarul Khoiriyah from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, alongside Jamie Fransisco Purba from the Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidisciplinary—developed the concept under the guidance of lecturer Annur Ahadi Abdillah. Their proposal centers on utilizing microalgae as a primary feedstock for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
According to reporting from the university’s official news portal, UNAIR NEWS, the team identified the aviation sector’s urgent need for sustainable alternatives to conventional fuels. Iqlima noted that while the industry faces significant transition challenges, microalgae represent a viable, scalable source for biomass production that can support long-term energy goals.
Integration of Coastal Waste and Industrial CO2
The Algae Archipelago concept functions as an integrated industrial corridor. The design links coastal resource management with waste utilization, biomass processing, and bioenergy distribution. The proposal suggests using nutrient-rich waste from agro-industries and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial activities as inputs to stimulate microalgae growth.
However, the team emphasized that the process requires rigorous oversight. Iqlima stated that waste streams must undergo comprehensive testing to identify potential contaminants or toxic substances that could inhibit algal development. The project envisions a biorefinery infrastructure to convert harvested biomass into usable bioenergy, requiring a collaborative framework between the government, universities, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), state-owned enterprises, and private financiers.
Future Research Requirements
While the concept has secured a spot in the PIMNAS finals, the researchers maintain that further study is necessary before implementation. The team has not yet identified specific microalgae species for the project, noting that extensive testing is required to determine which strains are most efficient for fuel production and compatible with industrial waste inputs.
Iqlima encouraged fellow students to pursue research based on local environmental challenges, emphasizing that innovation is a process of iterative learning. The team’s overarching goal, framed by their slogan "From Microalgae to Global Energy, From Indonesia to the World," remains focused on contributing to the global transition toward sustainable energy.
What Is the Role of Microalgae in This Proposal?
What is the primary role of the microalgae in this proposal?
The microalgae serve as the biological feedstock for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The team intends to cultivate these organisms using industrial CO2 and agro-industrial waste to create a sustainable biomass supply chain.
Why is this project still in the conceptual phase?
The team has not yet finalized the specific species of microalgae to be used, nor have they completed the necessary safety testing for using industrial waste as a nutrient source. Further research and multi-sector collaboration are required to move from the current written proposal to a functional pilot model.
Which organizations are involved in the proposed collaboration?
The students’ plan outlines a cross-sector partnership involving the Indonesian government, higher education institutions, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), agro-industries, CO2-producing industrial firms, state-owned enterprises (BUMN), and various financial institutions.