UNDIP, Semarang (January 2, 2026) – The Synergy Downstream Research Program (Hiliriset) 2025 has officially launched an innovation in the form of a 2,000-kg-capacity hybrid solar–biomass seaweed drying unit to strengthen the agro-industrial sector. This strategic project is led by Prof. Dr. Moh. Djaeni, S.T., M.Eng., together with a research team consisting of 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. (industry partner – PT Mutiara Global Industry), along with other team members. The collaboration addresses the challenges of conventional drying methods, which are highly weather-dependent, require long processing times, and result in energy inefficiencies that reduce product competitiveness in the national market.
The implementation of this technology aims to eliminate the business’s dependence on unpredictable environmental factors by enabling a more stable, controlled drying system. The hybrid method ensures that the drying process remains optimal under various weather conditions, thereby maintaining productivity and product hygiene throughout the year. With appropriate technology standardization, this innovation is projected to increase the added value of national seaweed commodities significantly, ensuring consistent quality and enhanced global competitiveness.
Technically, the drying unit integrates a zeolite adsorber to significantly reduce ambient air humidity before it is channeled into the drying chamber. The dried air is then heated and continuously circulated to achieve a much faster drying rate compared to traditional methods. To ensure accurate quality control, the research team precisely measured technical parameters using RH meters to monitor humidity and anemometers to measure airflow rates within the system.
PT Mutiara Global Industry fully supports the success of this downstream program as the manufacturing partner responsible for design, fabrication, and on-site machine testing. As a company specializing in agro-industrial machinery design, the partner plays a crucial role in transforming research outputs into industry-ready technology. The entire development process was conducted comprehensively, from initial studies to application stages through Focus Group Discussions (FGD), ensuring the technology’s readiness in accordance with manufacturing standards.
Supported by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia in 2025, this program represents a strong collaboration between academia and industry in promoting national technological self-reliance. The implementation of this hybrid drying technology is a tangible contribution to Indonesia’s economic development by modernizing the post-harvest process, delivering benefits to communities and industry, and demonstrating a shared commitment to academic excellence and national progress. (Public Communication/UNDIP/Riri)