BRISMA, an initiative in Karawang, Indonesia, is working to convert rice husk waste into aromatic briquettes. In many farming areas, rice husks are often burned in open fields, causing pollution and resulting in lost economic opportunities. BRISMA collects these rice husks from local farmers and processes them into briquettes infused with essential oils. The products serve as mosquito repellents and therapy aids.
The project aims to create a system that allows farmers to generate income from materials they already have while reducing environmental impact and increasing local economic prospects. Lecturers involved in BRISMA noted that much of the potential value in farming communities is lost not due to a lack of resources but because of the absence of systems for utilizing those resources.
"Karawang is one of Indonesia’s major rice-producing regions, and with each harvest comes an overwhelming amount of rice husks. Most of it is treated as disposable."
The idea for BRISMA arose after seeing large amounts of rice husks being burned along roadsides. By partnering with farmers and leveraging existing relationships within the community, the team developed small-scale briquette production and enhanced the product by adding essential oils.
"Because we are educators, we already had strong relationships with farmers. We listened first, then invited them to become part of the solution. BRISMA was born not just as a product innovation, but as a partnership between academia and the public, between research and practical use."
During its pilot phase, BRISMA plans to sell 100-150 packs of briquettes and train at least 60 farmers to produce them independently. The model encourages viewing agricultural byproducts as valuable resources rather than waste.
"But we’re also aiming for something deeper: a shift in mindset. We want farmers to see the value in what they already have. We want university students to think differently about byproducts. And we want the public to understand that innovation doesn’t always require new materials; sometimes, it begins with seeing old ones in a new way."
Support from the YSEALI Seeds for the Future program has been crucial for BRISMA’s development by providing financial backing for equipment purchases and public training sessions.
"The YSEALI Seeds for the Future program has been instrumental in turning our concept into an implementable project. The financial support has allowed us to purchase equipment, design public training sessions, and expand our reach."
Workshops on planning frameworks like Theory of Change helped clarify their approach toward responsible growth.
"Equally important, the capacity-building workshops, especially those on Theory of Change, helped us define a clearer pathway from ideas to outcomes. We now approach planning and measurement with more focus, and we’re thinking more intentionally about how to ensure our work is responsible, scalable, and profitable."
BRISMA has partnered with dozens of farmers across Karawang through new field machines ready for deployment. Public marketing efforts began in July 2025 alongside three planned workshops before year-end.
"We’ve also secured early buy-in from village heads (Kepala Desa) and are building a support system that ties our initiative to existing rural development structures. Every conversation, every co-designed step, strengthens our foundation."
Economic viability proved key for participation among local farmers.
"One of the most important lessons we’ve learned is that knowledge alone doesn’t guarantee participation – economic viability does. Farmers are willing to engage deeply when they see a tangible return."
To make participation easier and sustainable long-term, three briquette machines were installed directly within village centers while rice husks are purchased directly from producers—creating additional income streams.
"That’s why we’ve adapted our model, installing three briquette machines directly in village centers to ensure accessibility. We’re also buying rice husks directly from farmers, creating a new and steady income stream..."
A recent public talk show at @america in Jakarta drew strong interest from both farmers and students—a response seen as validation for BRISMA's community-focused approach.
"That turnout reminded us why BRISMA exists...this project doesn’t belong to us alone; it belongs to the farmers of Karawang and beyond."