Semarang, C Java (ANTARA) - Researchers at Semarang-based Diponegoro University (Undip) are making building materials from fly ash and bottom ash generated during coal combustion at coal-fired power plants (PLTU).

"This is our real support for President Joko Widodo's calls for loving Indonesia's genuine products," head of the Technological Research Center at Undip's Inclusive Housing and Urban Development Research Center (IHUDRC), Asnawi Manaf, remarked.

IHUDRC researchers are turning fly ash and bottom ash into construction materials, such as bricks and paving blocks, as part of efforts to manage coal combustion waste produced by coal-fired power plants, he explained here on Wednesday.

The huge amount of ash generated during coal combustion at PLTUs can harm the environment, he said, adding that the IHUDRC has demonstrated it cares for the environment by treating such waste and using it for making building materials.

To make bricks and paving blocks from coal combustion waste, the IHUDRC is engaging local workers from small industries that produce high-quality building materials, he informed.

"The IHUDRC does support President Joko Widodo's calls for loving local products. Not only that, we can build Indonesia in eco-friendly ways," Manaf added.

President Joko Widodo recently urged Indonesians to favor local brands over and above those from abroad.

"This is because our population is over 270 million, which is a large market. The call to love our own products must continue to be echoed," he said.

The President also said he expects people to become loyal consumers of Indonesian products, while also emphasizing the need to give serious attention to the export market. (INE)

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