Yohanis Tangke Tosuli, a Doctoral student in the Mechanical Engineering Program at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia (FTUI), has researched a new approach to utilizing sago waste as a potential alternative fuel through biomass gasification technology. His dissertation was presented at the FTUI Doctoral Promotion Open Defense on Thursday (26/2) in an offline session at the Smart Meeting Room, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia.
Through his doctoral research titled “Conversion of Sago Waste into Renewable Energy by Adding Al₂O₃ as a Catalyst Through Top-Lit Updraft Gasification,“ Yohanis introduces an innovative approach to biomass waste utilization for sustainable energy. The gasification technology developed in his research enables the conversion of sago waste into high-quality synthetic gas (syngas), which can be used as an environmentally friendly alternative energy source.
“Indonesia has vast biomass potential, including sago waste, which has not yet been optimally utilized. Through this research, I aim to prove that sago waste can be converted into renewable energy with greater efficiency using Al₂O₃-based catalytic gasification technology. It is hoped that this innovation can support the transition to clean energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels,” said Yohanis.
The Dean of FTUI, Prof. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., expressed his appreciation, saying, “I highly appreciate Yohanis’ efforts and dedication in this research. Utilizing biomass waste as an alternative energy source is a concrete step in addressing sustainability challenges. We hope this research can continue to be developed and open opportunities for collaboration with the industry for broader implementation.”
Yohanis successfully defended his dissertation with a cum laude distinction, earning a GPA of 3.88. He became the 114th Doctor from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the 594th Doctor within the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia. The doctoral promotion session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Ir. Yanuar, M.Eng., M.Sc., with Prof. Dr. Ir. Adi Surjosatyo, M.Sc., as the Promoter, and Dr. Ir. Cahyadi, M.Komp., as the Co-Promoter. The examination committee included Prof. Dr. Ir. Yulianto Sulistyo Nugroho, Ph.D., M.Sc., Prof. Dr. Ir. I Made Kartika, Dipl. Ing., Prof. Dr. Ir. Warjito, M.Sc., Ahmad Syihan Auzani, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., and Prof. Dr. Ir. Harwin Saptoadi, M.SE., IPM., ASEAN Eng.
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