Enviro News Asia, Yogyakart a – PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI), in collaboration with the Yogyakarta Palace and the people of Gunung Kidul Regency, has inaugurated a biomass development program through the planting of 50,000 multi-purpose trees and the establishment of a Seed House in the PLN EPI Energy Empowerment Village, located in Kalurahan Karang Asem, Gunungkidul Regency, Yogyakarta. This Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program marks a significant milestone in the development of community-based renewable energy by optimizing local potential.
A total of 50,000 multi-purpose trees have been planted on 15 hectares of land in Kalurahan Karang Asem, with all seedlings provided by the Seed House managed by the Asem Mulya Farmers’ Group.
PLN EPI’s Director of Biomass, Antonius Aris Sudjatmiko, stated in a written statement on Tuesday (11/2/2025) that this biomass ecosystem not only supports energy security but also strengthens food security, environmental sustainability, and improves the welfare of the local community.
“These trees serve dual purposes. Their leaves can be used as animal feed, while their branches can be utilized as biomass cofiring material for Steam Power Plants (PLTU),” said Antonius Aris Sudjatmiko.
He explained that the biomass program in Kalurahan Karang Asem is the first step toward developing a “Green Economy Village,” an energy plantation area designed to provide sustainable benefits. Additionally, this tree-planting initiative is expected to inspire other regions.
“This model has already been introduced in other areas, such as Cilacap and Tasikmalaya, as proof that community-based renewable energy can be widely implemented,” Antonius added.
He further explained that this program is part of PLN’s commitment to supporting the energy transition by developing biomass as an alternative fuel to replace coal. This initiative aligns with PLN’s target of reducing carbon emissions through cofiring technology, which has already generated 575.4 GWh of clean energy.
From February 2023 to 2025, a total of 150,000 multi-purpose biomass trees—including gamal, kaliandra, indigofera, and gmelina (white teak)—have been planted on Sultan Ground and Village-Owned Land in Kalurahan Gombang and Karang Asem.
Head of the Pangreksaloka Bureau of the Yogyakarta Palace, RM Gusthilantika Marrel Suryokusumo, emphasized the importance of synergy among various stakeholders in preserving the environment.
“The Yogyakarta Palace has always supported sustainability-oriented programs. We have granted free use of Sultan Ground as a form of support for the community,” he stated.
