The Faculty of Engineering at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), in collaboration with PT PLN (Persero) UPT Medan and Baitul Mal Muamalat (BMM), organized a scientific seminar titled “Enhancing Knowledge and Understanding of Fly Ash and Bottom Ash (FABA) Utilization.” The event was held on Wednesday (29/10) at the UMSU Auditorium on Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan.
The seminar was attended by more than 300 participants, aiming to broaden academic and industry perspectives on the potential of coal combustion waste as an eco-friendly construction material.
The event was officially opened by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, represented by Vice Rector I, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arifin Gultom, SH., M.Hum. In his remarks, he highlighted the need for harmony between economic development and environmental preservation.
“Removing FABA from the hazardous waste category has sparked debate. Therefore, we must ensure a balance between societal needs and environmental considerations,” he said.
He encouraged students and researchers to continue developing applied research so that FABA becomes a constructive solution rather than a destructive one.
Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Ade Faisal, ST., M.Sc., Ph.D, stated in his report that this event reflects strategic collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
“Together with PLN as the producer of FABA, we aim to raise awareness that this waste—after being removed from the hazardous category—can actually be used productively. We hope this seminar fosters cooperation between the Medan City Government, PLN, and various stakeholders,” he said.
He added that FABA has been widely utilized abroad and has proven effective in reducing costs while minimizing environmental pollution.
Assistant Manager of Finance and General Affairs at PT PLN (Persero) UPT Medan, Arif Putra Utama, reaffirmed PLN’s commitment to supporting the circular economy and sustainability through its Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) program.
“Using FABA as a building material or construction component is one of our concrete innovations to transform waste from a problem into a new resource,” Arif said.
He also expressed hope that the seminar generates actionable steps to expand FABA utilization in line with PLN’s vision of green energy, green industry, and green society.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Medan, represented by the Head of the Medan Environmental Agency, Melvi Marla Bayana, ST., M.Si, underscored the importance of cross-sector synergy in industrial waste management.
“The policy on FABA utilization has two critical dimensions: environmental and infrastructural. We have the opportunity to reduce pollution while enhancing construction quality,” she stated.
She added that the city government is ready to facilitate collaboration and ensure that FABA use meets safe and environmentally responsible construction standards.
The seminar featured speakers from PLN, the Medan Environmental Agency, and academics specializing in civil and environmental engineering. The event concluded with the presentation of souvenirs and a group photo with participants and partners.
The Faculty of Engineering hopes this seminar serves as a stepping stone toward research collaborations and real-world implementation of FABA utilization in the construction sector, supporting Medan’s vision of becoming a modern, resilient, and environmentally friendly city.
