The presence of water hyacinths in Lake Toba, North Sumatra, has long been a source of concern because the species is seen to be an invasive weed that pollutes the surrounding environment with some destructive effects such as:

  • It prohibits sunlight into the lake which limits the plant’s ability to photosynthesise
  • It decreases oxygen level for living organisms
  • It creates a less appealing scenery which attracts less tourists

The Solution

An innovation has been successful in cleaning the lake from water hyacinth and benefiting local community by turning them into fertilizer with high content of nitrogen, called STEBA. The results are confirmed by a renowned national third-party laboratory and it contains of desirable nutrient elements: - Organic Carbon: 31.79% - Nitrogen: 1.80% - P2O2: 0.69% - K2O: 4.64%

The Journey

Step 1: Collection

Collecting the water hyacinth from Lake Toba with local fishers & team

Step 2: Grinding

Grinding the water hyacinth

Step 3: Fermentation

Fermented the water hyacinth

Step 4: Pelleting

Pelleting the water hyacinth

Step 5: Packaging

STEBA Bio Fertilizer

  • Making the plants healthier
  • Increasing crop yields
  • Environmental-friendly