Sindo Newspaper, Pasuruan – As the center of dairy farming, Tutur Sub-District (Nongkojajar) in Pasuruan Regency is obsessed to free itself from complete reliance on LPG. The obsession is very understandable, considering 40% of the dairy farmers here have utilized the biogas technology as eco-friendly fuel. Since the intensity of its socialization back in 2008, presently there have been 1,350 biogas reactor constructed in 12 villages at Tutur Subdistrict. An 8-cubic meter reactor is capable of supplying eco-friendly gas for the needs of two households.

This methane gas is produced by the manure of three cows which have been indiscriminately disposed throughout these times. At the moment, 100% population of five hamlets, namely Gunungsari, Ngepring, Dukutan, Cemoro, and Kumbo have utilized the biogas technology for their household needs. Since using the biogas in which the installation is connected to their kitchens, they no longer use LPG and kerosenes as fuel.

Through Hivos donations, the ecological NGO from the Netherland, the farmers received funding support as much as a quarter of the total construction costs of biogas reactor which reached Rp 7.5 millions. The remainder, is funded through loans provided by Koperasi Peternak Sapi Perah (Dairy Farmer Cooperative) Setia Kawan Nongkojajar. These farmers will repay the loans by setting aside their deposit of fresh milk.

“The farmers simply express their intentions to build a biogas reactor. They will not be charged with any fees whatsoever. The whole expenses will be borne by the cooperative. They will repay three of the costs through a loan system which is set aside from their milk deposits,” uttered Hariyanto, the Advisor of Setia Kawan Dairy Farmer Cooperative.

According to Hariyanto, although the farmers were not charged with any kind of expenses, it took fairly considerable time to build the farmers’ awareness. Various concerns haunted these traditional farmers. Even more, although there have been numerous farmers who benefit from the use of the biogas, less than 50% of the total 6,000 dairy farmers who have constructed these biogas reactors.

Munawaroh, 30 years old, the inhabitant of Gendro Village, Tutur Subdistrict, expressed, during her two years use of biogas, she is able to save on household expenses as much as Rp 400,000 per month. She did not spend anymore monthly expenses to buy LPGs.

“On a monthly average, 4-5 LPG tanks have been used up. Now it is no more. Biogas may also be used for lighting purposes by modifying the existing pressurised kerosene lamp. The light of biogas is relatively stable, and it is never explosive. Thus, it is very safe,” uttered Munawaroh. (ars)