Indonesian researcher develops greener, stronger asphalt mix

Depok, W Java (ANTARA) - An Indonesian researcher has developed a modified asphalt formula using natural Buton asphalt and recycled used engine oil, offering a more durable, environmentally friendly road-building material that could reduce maintenance costs and reliance on imported asphalt.

Andi Muhammad Ifrad, who earned a doctorate from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Engineering, said the research demonstrates the untapped potential of natural asphalt from Buton Island.

"I want to show that Buton natural asphalt has tremendous potential to become a nationally competitive construction material," Andi said at the university's Depok campus on Thursday.

The innovation aims to improve road durability, enhance resilience to Indonesia's tropical climate and promote environmentally sustainable infrastructure development.​​​​​​​

Andi said the modified asphalt improves pavement performance, extending road service life while lowering maintenance costs through the use of local materials and recycled used engine oil under a circular economy approach.

Faculty of Engineering Dean Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan said the research demonstrates how Indonesia's natural resources can be transformed into innovative, sustainable engineering solutions with practical applications.

He said the faculty encourages research that advances scientific knowledge while strengthening the domestic construction industry, improving national competitiveness and supporting efficient, sustainable infrastructure development.

Indonesia holds the world's largest reserves of natural asphalt on Buton Island, but the resource remains underutilized despite its significant commercial and engineering potential.

During his doctoral defense, Andi presented a dissertation titled "Response Surface Methodology for Modeling the Rheological Characteristics of Modified Buton Natural Asphalt Based on Rutting and Resilient Modulus Analysis."

The research earned Andi a doctoral degree with a perfect 4.00 grade point average and the distinction of summa cum laude.

The achievement made him the 92nd doctoral graduate of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the 661st doctoral graduate of the Faculty of Engineering.

Kurniawan said the study represents a meaningful contribution to Indonesia's infrastructure development by providing an engineering solution that maximizes domestic resources and reduces dependence on imported asphalt materials.

The innovation combines Buton natural asphalt with elastomeric additives and recycled used engine oil to improve flexibility, stability and resistance to deformation under heavy traffic loads.

Laboratory testing integrated with computer simulations based on the Finite Element Method enabled accurate prediction of long-term pavement performance, supporting more effective road design, maintenance planning and sustainable infrastructure management.

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Translator: Feru L, Rahmad Nasution

Editor: Primayanti

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