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In this study we utilize salacca peel as a precursor to synthesis activated carbon (AC) using hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and microwave assisted chemical activation method. The HTC was done at 225°C, 50 bar for 5 h using citric acid as a catalyst. The obtained hydrochar was furthermore impregnated using KOH as activating agent at various hydrochar to KOH mass ratio (1:2, 1:3, and 1:4). The activation was done by under microwave radiation of 700 Watt for 5 min. The obtained activated carbons were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and methylene blue adsorption. The best activated carbon (1:4) was furthermore tested as nickel ion-s capacitor. The electrochemical characteristics (cyclic voltammetry) were measured by using half-cell test pouch with nickel oxide as reference electrode and 6 M KOH as electrolyte. The results obtained showed that activated carbon from salacca peel gave better performance compared to commercial activated carbon.