Through the Desa Energi Berdikari (DEB) Program, in collaboration with PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PT PHR), local youth groups in Riau are being supported to develop green jobs initiatives. This mentoring and incubation program has successfully produced innovative projects that received further funding and assistance from Rumah Energi. Out of the applicants, three outstanding groups were selected based on their potential positive impact on the environment, society, and economy—along with the relevance of their ideas to local conditions, resource capacity, market potential, and long-term sustainability.

One of the most promising innovations came from a youth group in Rokan Hilir, Riau, focusing on the agricultural sector. They introduced the use of oil palm waste as a growing medium for straw mushrooms. Empty fruit bunches (EFB), previously considered as mere waste, were reimagined as a valuable input for mushroom cultivation. By applying a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach, the youth of Bangko Permata Village sought to maximize the reuse of planting media residues. Their goal was to prevent environmental pollution from unused EFB while turning them into a resource that could be further processed or repurposed. 

Meanwhile, another youth group from Bangko Jaya Village turned to technology-driven innovation. To address the problem of monkey pests damaging crops, they developed a smartphone-based alarm system that repels pests. This system was further integrated with an automated irrigation mechanism sourced from infiltration wells, ensuring plants receive water according to their needs. Importantly, the model is powered by renewable energy—solar panels—making it both sustainable and efficient. By embedding digital and renewable technology into farming practices, these young innovators hope to inspire a new generation to see agriculture not as a burden, but as a field of opportunity. 

As Indonesia commemorates National Farmers Day, the stories of these young people in Rokan Hilir remind us that agriculture is more than just rice fields and plantations. It is a sector wide open to innovation, creativity, and collaboration. With the right support, waste can become a blessing, technology can be a solution, and agriculture can be a promising career path for the next generation to thrive—even amid the challenges of the climate crisis. This is the essence of Indonesia Berdaya championed by Rumah Energi: empowering rural communities to be self-reliant, innovative, and resilient in the face of climate challenges. 

Written by: Danastri Widoningtyas 
Edited by: Fauzan Ramadhan