Indonesia has entered a significant new phase in its industrial development as Pupuk Indonesia Group through its subsidiaries PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur (Pupuk Kaltim) and PT Rekayasa Industri (Rekind) has officially launched the construction of the country’s first-ever soda ash factory.

This milestone, celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony and the installation of the first pile at the Kaltim Industrial Estate (KIE) in Bontang, East Kalimantan, marks a major step forward for the national fertiliser and petrochemical industry.

Senior figures including the Senior Director of Business Performance & Asset Optimization at Danantara Asset Management, Bhimo Aryanto, senior leaders from Pupuk Indonesia and Pupuk Kaltim, as well as representatives from both the East Kalimantan Provincial Government and the City of Bontang, were present to witness the start of this strategic project.

Pupuk Indonesia President & Director Rahmad Pribadi described the development as a historic progression in the long-standing evolution of Indonesia’s chemical and fertiliser sectors, which date back to 1959. He emphasised that the project is not only part of strengthening the nation’s industrial self-sufficiency but also demonstrates a clear commitment to downstreaming and achieving a low-emission, sustainable industrial transformation.

He highlighted that the initiative aligns closely with the Asta Cita vision of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. By utilising carbon dioxide (CO₂) generated as a by-product of existing ammonia production, the plant will manufacture soda ash—an essential input for industries such as glass, ceramics, detergent, pulp and paper, food processing, and more.

Once operational, the factory is expected to produce 300,000 metric tonnes of soda ash each year, covering roughly 30% of domestic demand and significantly reducing reliance on imports. This shift could save up to IDR 1 trillion annually in foreign exchange from soda ash alone, alongside around IDR 250 billion from ammonium chloride import substitution, another valuable by-product of the process.

Pupuk Kaltim President & Managing Director Gusrizal reinforced the importance of the project in supporting national downstreaming priorities and enhancing the resilience of Indonesia’s chemical industry. He noted that the development forms a crucial part of the company’s wider business transformation, aiming to diversify into more efficient and environmentally responsible chemical ventures.

“This project is part of Pupuk Kaltim’s commitment to implementing ESG principles and a circular economy, where CO₂ emissions from the existing plant are reused as the main raw material for soda ash production. We will ensure that the entire construction process is carried out with the highest safety and quality standards, as a manifestation of our responsibility to provide an efficient, safe, and competitive industry,” said Gusrizal.

The plant is projected to absorb around 174,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, directly supporting Indonesia’s 2060 Net Zero Emission (NZE) target. Its circular-economy approach turns emissions into high-value products while strengthening domestic supply chains. The ammonium chloride generated can also be used as fertiliser, reinforcing national food security.

Economically, the facility is anticipated to stimulate both regional and national growth by creating jobs, empowering local MSMEs, and supporting industries involved in supplying inputs such as industrial salt.

Danantara Asset Management’s Bhimo Aryanto expressed his strong support for the initiative, emphasising its broader national significance. “Pupuk Indonesia Group continues to innovate in developing efficient, low – emission, and sustainable industries. This project not only creates an industry but also optimizes existing resources and significantly reduces industrial waste. We want this plant to become a new benchmark for Indonesia’s green chemical industry,” he said.

For Pupuk Indonesia Group, the soda ash plant signals a renewed commitment to national industrial resilience, food security, and long-term economic sovereignty. With a focus on innovation and downstream growth, the Group aims to strengthen Indonesia’s competitiveness through sustainable, future-ready industrial development.

The Philippines is intensifying its efforts to ratify a landmark international treaty aimed at protecting marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ), reinforcing its commitment to ocean conservation and sustainable marine resource management

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has pledged full support to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in promoting the Senate’s concurrence to the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). Signed under the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the BBNJ treaty addresses the conservation and equitable use of marine resources in high seas and other regions beyond exclusive national control.

Although Ferdinand Marcos Jr., President ratified the agreement in 2024-a year after its global adoption - the treaty still requires Senate concurrence before the Philippines can officially participate.

Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., Agriculture Secretary emphasised the agreement's relevance for the Philippines, said, “The BBNJ Agreement is crucial for conserving and sustainably managing marine biodiversity in areas beyond the Philippines’ jurisdiction, allowing the country to safeguard its rich marine ecosystems while ensuring fair access to and equitable sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources.”

As a nation composed of over 7,000 islands and located near areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), the Philippines has a strong stake in the treaty’s success. It was an early signatory and active participant in the negotiation process, aligning with global conservation goals and the principles of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award.

Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther Bayate stressed the strategic timing of the ratification: once approved by the Senate, the Philippines will be eligible to participate in the first Conference of Parties (COP1). This milestone event is expected to take place shortly after 60 countries submit their ratification instruments to the United Nations. As of late August, 55 nations have completed the process, with momentum building towards reaching the required threshold during the UN General Assembly from September 23–26.

The BBNJ treaty represents a critical tool for archipelagic nations like the Philippines—not only to influence global marine governance but also to safeguard marine ecosystems, promote fair benefit-sharing, and support the livelihoods of coastal communities reliant on ocean resources.

Van der Waay has unveiled its latest innovation, the Top Cleaner V, a fully autonomous roof-cleaning and coating machine designed to replace the long-standing Safety Cart.

According to the company, this new model marks a major leap forward in greenhouse maintenance, offering improved safety, usability, and flexibility for growers.

Unlike its predecessor, the Top Cleaner V operates entirely on its own, removing the need for an operator to travel along with the machine. It moves through a single gutter, making it compatible with greenhouses of different peak heights and roof designs. With just one button, growers can send the machine to the far end of the greenhouse, where it automatically turns around and returns, neatly retracting the water hose as it goes.

The Top Cleaner V is built from a series of modular components, allowing growers to customise it to match their exact workflows. Whether the job involves brushing glass from ridge to gutter, applying greenhouse coatings, or cleaning gutters, the machine can be configured for any combination of tasks. This makes it a versatile, future-proof solution suitable for a wide range of greenhouse types and operational needs.

Growers can choose from specialised brush sets designed for different peak sizes, a dedicated gutter brush for fast gutter cleaning, and spray booms for accurate coating application. Optional features include a remote-control system for safe ground-level operation, a service platform for smooth movement along the greenhouse façade, a high-pressure pump for water supply, and a portable generator for complete energy autonomy.

Safety has been a key priority in the development of the Top Cleaner V. All rotating parts are fully enclosed, and the machine is designed for easy access when maintenance is required. It can also be placed on a service platform to move conveniently from one peak to the next, provided the greenhouse façade is equipped with a rail system.

Key technical details include a 230 V power supply (compatible with a portable generator), adjustable operating speeds of up to 20 metres per minute, a hose reel that holds approximately 200 metres of ½-inch hose, and a maximum machine weight of around 285 kg depending on configuration. The machine has a wheelbase of 150 cm, offering stability during operation.

Van der Waay highlights the Top Cleaner V’s competitive pricing and high efficiency, noting that the machine can pay for itself quickly. Even a 1% increase in light transmission inside the greenhouse leads directly to a 1% rise in crop production, making clean, well-maintained glass essential for growers aiming to boost yields.

The SoLAR project, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), is entering its second phase, aiming to deepen agricultural resilience and climate transformation in smallholder farming

Launched by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the initiative runs from July 2025 to December 2029 and expands its geographical and thematic focus, now incorporating Ethiopia and Kenya, while continuing its work in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Building on the success of its first phase (2019–2024), SoLAR looks to scale solar energy solutions for agriculture and position them as a replicable and scalable model for climate-resilient agriculture across the Global South.

In its first phase, SoLAR focused on generating evidence, piloting innovative financing models, and influencing policy to integrate solar-powered irrigation systems (SIPs). These solar pumps have proven effective in mitigating climate impacts by replacing diesel pumps and promoting sustainable groundwater usage. “Across the four South Asian countries, we have seen promising steps toward scaling solar irrigation sustainably and inclusively,” said Darshini Ravindranath, Project Lead and Research Group Leader at IWMI. The project has helped governments in Bangladesh and India integrate solar irrigation into national strategies, while in Nepal, it led to a significant policy shift, including revised subsidy criteria supporting women farmers and smallholders.

Key outcomes include the promotion of gender-sensitive policies, innovative financing such as micro-financing and grants, and the adoption of solar irrigation systems that reduce carbon emissions, conserve groundwater, and support high-value crops. IWMI’s work also extended to grid-connected solar irrigation in Nepal, enabling farmers to sell surplus energy, providing them with additional income streams while promoting responsible groundwater use.

In phase two, SoLAR will expand its reach to East Africa, focusing on scaling solar-powered solutions for irrigation, cooling, and processing. With Kenya and Ethiopia facing climate and energy challenges, the project sees solar technology as a transformative tool for boosting year-round agricultural production and enhancing food security. Muluken Elias Adamseged, Deputy Country Representative at IWMI in Ethiopia, remarked, “Scaling solar-powered irrigation, cooling, and processing can boost year-round production, cut losses and costs, and enhance food security.”

The second phase aims to drive an integrated approach with evidence-based policy design, accelerated funding for solar adoption, enhanced capacity building, and the establishment of Living Labs to test solar solutions in diverse settings. The program will directly benefit smallholder farmers in India, Bangladesh, Kenya, and Ethiopia by improving water and energy security, reducing emissions, and enhancing resilience to climate risks, according to Philippe Sas, Head of Cooperation for SDC in India.