The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Indonesia (UI), through the Research Ecosystem and Impactful Science Downstreaming Unit, welcomed an educational visit from students of Lazuardi Global Compassionate School (GCS) Junior High School to the Parangtopo Laboratory of FMIPA UI in Depok on Wednesday (February 4, 2026). The activity was attended by 50 ninth-grade students accompanied by three teachers as part of a contextual learning program focused on science and sustainability.

The visit aimed to introduce students to innovations and technologies in renewable energy, particularly a simple waste-to-energy power generation system (PLTSa) that is relevant to everyday life and a sustainable future. In addition, the activity provided insights into the application of science and technology in addressing global challenges such as waste management, the energy crisis, climate change, and environmental sustainability.

The Parangtopo Laboratory of FMIPA UI is an applied research laboratory that focuses on environmental management, waste treatment, and the development of renewable energy based on biological resources. The laboratory serves as one of FMIPA UI’s centers for learning and research in developing innovative solutions with direct societal impact, particularly in converting organic waste into energy sources and environmentally friendly products.

During the visit, the session featured Afiatry Putrika, S.Si., M.Si., a lecturer from the Department of Biology, FMIPA UI, as the resource person. She explained that organic waste is one of the most important and interesting environmental issues to study. At the Universitas Indonesia campus, organic waste mainly comes from leftover food from campus cafeterias as well as dry leaves scattered throughout the campus area.

“Waste that we often consider useless actually has great potential. With simple technologies such as biodigesters, organic waste can be processed into energy and fertilizer that are beneficial for the environment and the community,” said Afiatry.

UI harnesses this potential by processing organic waste using biodigesters developed at the Parangtopo Laboratory. Through this process, the waste is broken down into biogas (methane gas) that can be used as an energy source, as well as solid and liquid organic fertilizers as by-products.

In addition to biodigesters, the Parangtopo Laboratory has previously developed organic waste processing methods using maggots, or Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae. Leftover food from campus cafeterias is converted into maggots with economic value as animal feed (for poultry and fish), while the maggot residue is utilized as organic fertilizer.

During the presentation session, the students received a comprehensive explanation of how a biodigester works, starting from the input of organic waste such as leftover food, dry leaves, and animal manure, through the decomposition process that produces methane gas and fertilizer. The methane gas generated can be used to power an electricity generator, making it a potential source of environmentally friendly alternative energy.

However, Afiatry Putrika emphasized that managing organic waste does not always require advanced technology. According to her, students can start with simple steps at home or at school, such as turning kitchen waste into compost, as an initial effort to raise awareness and care for the environment.

“Managing organic waste does not always require complex technology. Students can start with simple actions at home or at school, such as turning kitchen waste into compost, as an initial step toward building environmental awareness,” Afiatry said.

One of the accompanying teachers from Lazuardi GCS Junior High School, Mrs. Menurseto, stated that the visit to the Parangtopo Laboratory of FMIPA UI provided students with a contextual and meaningful learning experience.

“We were able to see firsthand how waste is processed through a biodigester into energy, compost fertilizer, and liquid organic fertilizer. Interestingly, methane gas from waste can even be utilized to generate electricity,” she said.

According to her, the FMIPA UI team explained the processing stages in a friendly and communicative manner. The students were enthusiastic, especially as they were able to take home fertilizer produced by the laboratory, which further enriched their learning experience. She added that the activity greatly helped students understand the concept of waste-to-energy as well as real-world environmental management.

Throughout the activity, the students appeared enthusiastic and actively asked questions, particularly about the process of converting organic waste into methane gas as an alternative energy source. The visit is expected to raise awareness among the younger generation about the importance of transforming waste into energy in support of a sustainable future for Indonesia.