UNDIP, Semarang (January 2) – The 2025 Research Downstreaming Program (Hiliriset) officially launched a 2,000 kg-capacity hybrid solar–biomass seaweed drying unit as a strategic innovation to strengthen the national agro-industrial sector. This flagship project is led by Prof. Dr. Moh Djaeni, S.T., M.Eng., together with a research team comprising Prof. Ir. Andri Cahyo Kumoro, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., IPU, ASEAN Eng., Dr. Laeli Kurniasari, S.T., M.T., and Anang Yudi Riswanto, S.T., M.M. (industrial partner from PT Mutiara Global Industry), along with other team members.
This collaboration addresses long-standing challenges in conventional drying methods, which are highly dependent on weather fluctuations, time-consuming, and energy-inefficient—factors that reduce product competitiveness in the national market.
The implementation of this technology aims to reduce dependence on unpredictable environmental conditions by introducing a more stable and controlled drying system. The hybrid method ensures optimal drying performance under various weather conditions, maintaining product productivity and hygiene throughout the year. With appropriate technology standardization, this innovation is expected to significantly enhance the added value of Indonesia’s seaweed commodities by ensuring consistent quality and global competitiveness.
From a technical perspective, the drying unit integrates a zeolite adsorber to substantially reduce ambient air humidity before it enters the drying chamber. The resulting dry air is then heated and continuously circulated, enabling a drying rate far faster than traditional methods. To ensure the accuracy and reliability of research outcomes, the team conducted precise technical measurements using relative humidity (RH) meters to monitor moisture levels and anemometers to measure airflow velocity within the system.
The success of this downstreaming program is fully supported by PT Mutiara Global Industry as the manufacturing partner responsible for the design, fabrication, and field testing of the drying unit. With extensive expertise in agro-industrial machinery engineering, the partner plays a vital role in transforming research outcomes into industrial-scale, ready-to-use technological products. The development process was carried out comprehensively, from preliminary studies to implementation, through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to ensure technological readiness in accordance with manufacturing sector standards.
Supported by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia (2025), this program reflects strong collaboration between academia and industry in advancing national technological self-reliance. The implementation of this hybrid drying technology represents a tangible contribution to Indonesia’s economic development through post-harvest process modernization. By delivering real benefits to communities and industry, this synergy demonstrates a shared commitment to academic excellence and national progress.
(Public Communication/UNDIP/Riri)