Bekasi. Business conglomerate Bakrie & Brothers (BNBR) introduced 3D printing technology for building environmentally friendly houses on Tuesday.

The company claims to be the pioneer of 3D printing in the construction industry in Indonesia through its subsidiary, Modula Tiga Dimensi.

BNBR Chief Financial Officer Roy Hendrajanto Sakti said the 3D technology is the latest testament to the group’s commitment to supporting the government’s net zero emission target by 2060. This follows previous initiatives, including the launch of the electric vehicle industry by another subsidiary, VKTR Teknologi Mobilitas, and the renewable energy business by Helio Synar Energi.

“We proudly announce that today BNBR initiated 3D construction printing, an environmentally conscious technology, through our subsidiary Modula Tiga Dimensi," Roy said during the launch of the new company in Bekasi, West Java.

Modula uses a BOD3 printer developed by COBOD International, a 3D construction printing solutions company based in Denmark.

"BNBR, through Modula, is the pioneer in 3D construction printing in Indonesia. We hope the technology will help address the housing backlog in Indonesia,” said Roy, who is also the chief commissioner at Modula.

Modula is a joint venture between BNBR and COBOD International.

Indonesia needs up to 800,000 new houses every year, but the existing capacity is only 500,000, according to an estimate.

The 3D construction printing automates the construction process and reduces the duration to construct a house by 50 percent compared to conventional methods, said Simon Klint Bergh, co-founder and head of Asia-Pacific at COBOD International.

It also saves 35 percent of labor needs and reduces the cost of wasted materials by 20 percent compared to industry standards, offering flexible designs and high precision, Bergh said.