Indonesian Coconut Shell Briquettes Dominate the Export Market

Coconut waste can be processed into economically valuable products and has the potential to penetrate export markets. One such export-worthy product is coconut shell briquettes.

This was conveyed by the founder and CEO of PT. Tom Cococha Indonesia, Asep Jembar Mulyana, during a public lecture delivered virtually to students of the Agricultural Industrial Technology Study Program at the Faculty of Agricultural Industrial Technology, Universitas Padjadjaran, on Friday (July 2).

Coconut shell briquettes have the potential to become an alternative energy source. This is because Indonesia has an abundance of coconut commodities, allowing the waste shells to be processed into briquettes.

This innovation is what Asep and his company have been working on. The initiative is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to wood-based briquettes, contributing to forest ecosystem preservation.

Asep explained that the demand for coconut shell briquettes from abroad is very high, as they are widely used for barbecues and shisha. Specifically, coconut shell briquettes are considered to have superior quality compared to other types of briquettes for shisha use.

“Demand is very high because global consumption for barbecues and shisha exceeds 350,000 tons annually,” Asep said, as quoted on the FTIP Unpad website.

In addition to high demand, the coconut shell briquette business remains unaffected by economic crises. Currently, 100% of coconut shell briquette sales are export-based, conducted in foreign currencies. This makes the business sustainable, supported by an abundant supply of raw materials.

Beyond coconut shells, Asep also highlighted that coconut coir waste has the potential to be processed into rope. However, its development requires appropriate technology to ensure sustainable production.

“The potential of waste in Indonesia must be utilized effectively to enhance Indonesia’s global reputation. For example, Indonesia’s abundant coconut waste, such as shells and coir, has yet to be optimally utilized,” Asep said.

Dr. Efri Mardawati, Head of the Agricultural Industrial Technology Study Program at Unpad, stated that the program has established collaboration with PT. TOM Cococha Indonesia for internships, research, and as a platform for implementing the Kampus Merdeka program.