Utilize Potential Sources of Biomass Energy in Baluran National Park Area DM UB Biogas Initiation Team

Merak Hamlet, Sumberwaru Village, Situbondo Regency which is in the Baluran National Park area is a remote area. Where electricity is only on at night and the price of daily necessities is more expensive. This is because additional accommodation costs are required for delivery.

The population is approximately 846 people, most of whom work as cattle breeders. The number of cattle reaches 2,600 heads which are bred using a herding system. That is releasing cows to find food independently. A farmer has to walk 10 KM to herd 20 cows into the forest every day.

The entry of thousands of cows into Baluran National Park causes changes in wild animals that threaten their development. Besides, cow dung that accumulates causes air pollution and becomes a source of disease.

In fact, according to the Lecturer of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya (FTP UB), Dr. Anang Lastriyanto, cow dung waste has the potential to be a source of biomass energy, if it is processed into biogas. Biogas can be used for household kitchen purposes for the Dusun Merak community, so as to reduce expenditure needs.

Dr. Anang did the biogas initiation with the Doctoral Service team consisting of Dr. Dimas Firmanda Al Riza (FTP), Anggun Trisnanto Hari Susilo, Ph.D. (FISIP), and Dr. Nanang Febrianto (Faculty of Animal Science), Saturday (30/10/2021).

“This technology transfer has the potential to encourage people to be more advanced and is expected to solve some social problems.” said Anang. The

empowerment of remote rural communities is carried out with the synergy of various stakeholders in the area, namely the Baluran National Park Manager and the Situbondo District Government. This synergy is carried out on a self-funded and self-managed basis and is carried out continuously every year according to the needs of cattle management with a very high population.

Through this activity, it is expected to be able to develop Baluran National Park with principles Sustainable, indirectly helping to preserve nature. On the other hand, the tourism industry can still continue through livestock cages and biogas, so as to improve the regional economy. (dta)