CHAN:
Tofu is more than just a healthy food for one Indonesian village. In central Java locals are turning tofu waste into bio-gas, reducing water pollution and saving money on fossil fuels.
STORY:
A tofu waste recycling facility opened a year ago here outside of Yogyakarta. Waste water from 400 kilograms of soybean used for tofu production is collected in tanks every day and undergoes fermentation.
The bio-gas generated in a treatment facility then flows into pipes connected to two tofu factories and 20 households.
[Panut, Tofu Maker]:
"For the daily needs of the community, it is more economical to use bio-gas. At the same time the waste problem is solved."
The natural fermenting process also frees the waste water from polluting substances that used to leak into the river.
[Fransiscus Slamet, Local Resident]:
"After the treatment, the water is not polluted so the smell is gone. Even those who are not using the gas still feel the positive result."
The villagers can use the gas pipes for free, saving on kerosene costs, on wood and and benzene oil normally used for cooking tofu.
[Susi Astuti, Local Resident]:
"It's very helpful. I don't need to spend money for kerosene or gas for almost four months. That makes a difference, now it's more economical."
Indonesian authorities hope to expand this simple technology across the vast archipelago.