BorneoEnglish: Batola News Today
Showing posts with label Batola. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Batola. Show all posts

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Batola Regent Bahrul Ilmi Signs PSEL Commitment For Waste-To-Energy Project

Batola Regent Bahrul Ilmi signs commitment to the PSEL Banjarmasin Raya project, aiming to convert waste into electricity as a long-term environmental solution.
Batola Regent Bahrul Ilmi signs commitment to the PSEL Banjarmasin Raya project, aiming to convert waste into electricity as a long-term environmental solution.

MARABAHAN — Efforts to tackle waste management challenges in South Kalimantan have entered a new phase. Barito Kuala (Batola) Regent H Bahrul Ilmi officially signed a joint commitment to support the development of the Waste-To-Energy Processing Plant (PSEL) for the Greater Banjarmasin Area, an initiative introduced by the Ministry of Environment.

The commitment signing took place in Marabahan on Sunday, marking a strong signal of regional support for sustainable waste management solutions.

"Hopefully, the waste management program through the construction of a waste-to-energy plant can be realized soon," Bahrul Ilmi said.

A Long-Term Solution For Waste Challenges

Bahrul Ilmi welcomed the collaboration, describing the PSEL project as a long-term solution to persistent waste management issues in South Kalimantan.

According to him, the project is expected not only to improve environmental conditions but also to provide tangible benefits to local communities.

"This represents a collaborative effort to build green infrastructure in South Kalimantan," he added.

Through this initiative, regional governments aim to transform waste management from a growing burden into a valuable energy resource.

Three Key Regions Involved In Strategic Project

The Greater Banjarmasin PSEL project involves three major administrative areas:

  • Banjarmasin City

  • Banjar Regency

  • Barito Kuala Regency (Batola)

Regional cooperation is considered essential to ensure a steady supply of waste as the primary raw material for electricity production.

The initiative is also seen as a strategic move to address the increasing volume of waste generated by urban growth and expanding economic activities.

Estimated Operational Period Up To 30 Years

The Ministry of Environment expects the PSEL facility to operate for an estimated 30 years, making it a long-term infrastructure investment.

However, the success of the project depends heavily on regional commitments, particularly in providing land and maintaining a consistent supply of waste materials.

The ministry has also encouraged local governments to integrate the PSEL initiative into their regional development plans to ensure long-term sustainability and funding readiness.

Positive Environmental And Energy Impact Expected

If implemented as planned, the PSEL project is expected to deliver several significant benefits, including:

  • Reducing the volume of accumulated waste

  • Generating electricity from waste materials

  • Improving environmental quality

  • Supporting sustainable development goals

  • Creating new opportunities in the green energy sector

This initiative aligns with broader national efforts to promote renewable and environmentally friendly energy sources.

Community Expectations For Project Implementation

As waste management challenges continue to grow in urban areas, communities are hopeful that the project will move forward quickly and deliver measurable results.

Beyond environmental improvements, the PSEL project is expected to introduce modern and efficient waste management practices for both residential and industrial waste.

Local governments remain optimistic that strong coordination between central and regional authorities will accelerate the realization of this strategic infrastructure project.

FAQ

What is PSEL?
PSEL stands for Waste-To-Energy Processing Plant, a facility designed to convert waste into electricity.

Which regions are involved in the project?
The project involves Banjarmasin City, Banjar Regency, and Barito Kuala Regency.

How long is the project expected to operate?
The estimated operational lifespan of the PSEL facility is around 30 years.

What are the main benefits of the PSEL project?
The project aims to reduce waste volume, generate electricity, improve environmental quality, and support sustainable development.

When will the PSEL project begin operations?
The project is currently in the commitment and planning stage, including land preparation and regional readiness.

Sunday, April 5, 2026

Batola Boosts Pineapple Downstreaming, Expands Value-Added Products

Batola boosts pineapple downstreaming through local farmers, creating value-added products and strengthening the regional economy.
Batola boosts pineapple downstreaming through local farmers, creating value-added products and strengthening the regional economy.

Marabahan – The Barito Kuala (Batola) Regency Government in South Kalimantan continues to accelerate downstreaming efforts in the horticulture sector, particularly for pineapple, one of the region’s leading commodities.

This initiative aims to increase the economic value of agricultural products while strengthening local businesses and farmer income.

Head of the Batola Agriculture Office, H Wahyu Waguna, emphasized that farmers are encouraged to go beyond selling fresh produce.

“We continue to encourage farmers to improve downstream processing of horticultural products,” he said in Marabahan on Sunday.

Women Farmers Leading Innovation

One notable success story comes from the Karya Bunda Bersama Women Farmers Group (KWT) in Jelapat II Village, Mekarsari District.

The group has been actively developing a wide range of pineapple-based products, including:

  • Candied pineapple

  • Pineapple jelly

  • Pineapple syrup

  • Pineapple jam

  • Pineapple juice beverages

In addition, they also produce other snack items such as cassava chips and banana chips to diversify their product line.

The group processes an average of 30 kilograms of pineapple per production cycle, which typically occurs once or twice a month.

Expanding Market Reach

Their products are marketed through multiple channels, including:

  • Traditional markets

  • Souvenir centers

  • Local minimarkets

  • Regional exhibitions and government events

This multi-channel approach has helped increase visibility and demand for locally processed goods.

Government Support Strengthens Growth

Due to their consistency in downstream processing, the group has received production equipment assistance from Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture.

Such support plays a crucial role in improving production capacity and ensuring better product quality.

Tamban Pineapple as Regional Icon

Mekarsari District, formerly part of Tamban District, is widely known as the production center of Tamban pineapple, a flagship horticultural product of Batola.

Beyond fresh consumption, Tamban pineapples are commonly processed into:

  • Wajik (sweet sticky rice cake)

  • Dodol (traditional sweet confection)

  • Jam

  • Pineapple powder

This downstreaming strategy significantly boosts the commodity’s economic value while opening new business opportunities for local communities.

Batola’s downstreaming initiative aligns with Indonesia’s broader strategy to strengthen agriculture through value-added processing.

From an economic perspective, downstreaming:

  • Increases product selling prices

  • Reduces reliance on raw commodity markets

  • Creates new job opportunities

  • Enhances competitiveness of local products

Additionally, it helps minimize post-harvest losses when fresh produce cannot be fully absorbed by the market.

FAQ

1. What is horticultural downstreaming?
It is the process of turning raw agricultural products into value-added goods to increase economic returns.

2. What pineapple products are made in Batola?
Candied pineapple, jelly, syrup, jam, juice, dodol, and wajik.

3. Who is involved in this initiative?
Local farmers, including the Karya Bunda Bersama Women Farmers Group.

4. How much pineapple is processed?
Around 30 kilograms per production cycle.

5. Why is downstreaming important?
It increases income, expands market access, and reduces waste.

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Batola Provides Free Speedboat Mudik Via River to Kuripan

Batola offers free river mudik via speedboat to Kuripan. This program helps residents travel home safely and comfortably during Lebaran.
Batola offers free river mudik via speedboat to Kuripan. This program helps residents travel home safely and comfortably during Lebaran.

MARABAHAN – Great news for residents planning to travel home for Lebaran. The Barito Kuala Regency Government (Batola) in South Kalimantan is launching a free river mudik program to Kuripan District.

This program provides a practical solution for residents who face difficulties traveling by road.

Jaya Hidayatullah, Head of Batola Transportation Department, said the government has prepared four speedboats to ensure smooth mudik this year.

“The free mudik program runs for four days before Eid al-Fitr for departures and four days after for return trips,” he said in Marabahan on Thursday.

River Access is Key

The program isn’t just a service—it’s a necessity. Geographically, many areas in Batola are hard to reach by road.

Kuripan District is a prime example, where residents heavily rely on river transport as their main mobility option.

Registered residents depart from Siring Ulek Marabahan Dock, traveling along the Barito River to Kuripan.

Preserving Local Wisdom

Beyond transportation, this program reflects the local government’s attention to culture and the traditional lifestyle of riverside communities.

Water transport isn’t just a choice—it’s part of daily life.

“Interest is always high every year, so we continue to hold this river mudik program,” Jaya added.

Safe, Comfortable, and Orderly

The government ensures all speedboats are safe and well-maintained.

Passengers are also encouraged to follow safety rules to ensure a smooth trip.

With this program, residents can celebrate Eid with family without worrying about transportation access.

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