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Tag: Indonesia

ITS hosts UMAP Discovery Camp and facilitates student exchange

Posted on by ITS Global Engagement

As the part of embodying an internationalisation spirit, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, ITS,  hosted the University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP) Discovery Camp 2023. This program offers an incredible opportunity for students to experience student exchange, and it successfully took place from the 5th to the 17th of February 2023 in Surabaya and Semarang.

UMAP is a student exchange program that has been established since 1991, and Indonesia has joined the membership of this particular program since 2019. Throughout the years, the UMAP consortium has been promoting student exchange among 600 universities accross 36 countries in Asia and Pacific Rim region. In this year’s UMAP edition, ITS and Universitas Islam Sultan Agung (Unissula) Semarang got the opportunity to host this wonderful program.

During the first week, all participants spent the activities in ITS including campus tour activity, then the following week the journey continued in Unissula. The program consists of mini-lectures from doctors and professors, guests from the city government departments, embassies, famous personalities, video presentations, discussions, master classes, case studies/subgroup work, and homework. In Surabaya, the students had not only formal courses but also outdoor activities such as watching traditional dances, visiting schools and playing traditional Indonesian sports to get closer with the culture of Indonesia and Surabaya.

The UMAP Discovery Camp 2023 provided participants with the chance to immerse themselves in different cultures and meet people from various backgrounds, with the added benefit of gaining academic credits and enhancing their language skills. By conducting this program, it is expected that participants could gain new horizon of perspective of cultures in Indonesia (particularly Surabaya and Semarang) as well as promoting Indonesia to others.

ITS partners with Singapore in INOVASI collaboration to drive innovation

Posted on by ITS Global Engagement

Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) is one of the four top universities in Indonesia, known for its remarkable commitment to research and academic programs. This recognition is reinforced by its collaboration with Indonesia Nanyang International University Singapore Institute of Research for Sustainability and Innovation (INOVASI), which was initiated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore.

ITS, together with ITB, UI, UGM, and NTU, is engaged in a reciprocal collaboration focused on education, research, and community services. The project involves joint research, researcher exchanges, joint supervision for Master’s and PhD programs, and joint publications. According to Bambang Pramujati, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., Vice Rector IV for Research, Innovation, Cooperation, and Alumni at ITS, this partnership has already produced flagship projects such as the renewable energy living lab and eco-campus.

The partnership agreement between the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) and NTU was signed in Jakarta on December 14, 2022. Additionally, Kemendikbudristek signed a partnership with the Indonesia Endowment Funds for Education (LPDP) to fund the Indonesia NTU Singapore Institute of Research for Sustainability and Innovation (INSPIRASI).

ITS’ appointment as one of the top universities in Indonesia is a testament to its active contribution to research and innovation on a global scale. As a governing board of the Eastern Part of Indonesia University Network (UPI-Unet), ITS is also expected to collaborate with other universities in the network for future projects, further bolstering collective efforts to promote innovation and research in Indonesia.

The collaboration is expected to proceed smoothly, with anticipated benefits realized as intended. Optimism abounds that this will enhance ITS’ reputation domestically and internationally and contribute to positive impacts on society.

UNAIR Faculty of Medicine alumnus shares experience as a surgeon in the United States

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

The Faculty of Medicine (FK) Universitas Airlangga is widely known as one of the best medical schools in Indonesia. Since its establishment in 1913 as Nederlandsch-Indische Artsen School (NIAS), the faculty has produced professional doctors in the nation’s medical field.

The alumni have built professional medical careers at the national and international levels. Iswanto Sucandy MD FACS, UNAIR Medicine alumnus class of 1997, is one of them. Currently, the Hepatopancreaticobiliary surgeon works at the AdventHealth Medical Group General Surgery in Tampa, Florida, US.

Dr. Iswanto’s career first began in 2007 when he applied for a resident doctor position. ”At that time, I wanted to study overseas, to keep gaining knowledge until I finally landed here. A fellow alumnus at UNAIR told me, ‘maybe you should explore residency programs in the US,’” he stated in Dokter UNAIR TV, The story of UNAIR FK alumnus pursuing Hepatopancreaticobiliary in the US on Monday, January 23, 2023.

To conduct a residency program in the US, he had to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). The examination is mandatory for both Americans and foreigners who want to practice medicine in the US. After passing the exam, he spent seven years practicing general surgery residency, including at Jefferson Abington Hospital, Philadelphia.

After that, Dr. Iswanto took a fellowship program for Minimally Invasive Gastrointestinal Surgery at Yale School of Medicine for a year. He was offered a teaching position at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center but chose Tampa, Florida, to continue his career.

Medical career opportunities in the US 

Dr. Iswanto also shared several opportunities he has received as a professional surgeon in the US. The US government is committed to accommodating surgeons to serve the patients.

“The government funds the teaching hospitals to train the surgeons. In the US, we got the government’s funds plus salary,” he said. The government also opens residency programs in teaching and non-teaching hospitals.

“Earlier, interns were only in universities. As time goes by, the government realizes that we need more medical specialists. Therefore, they open standardized residency programs in non-teaching hospitals,” he stated.

Tips on building a medical career in the US 

To be a professional surgeon overseas, Dr. Iswanto believed that strong intention is the main key to success. Many of the doctors were unable to finish the internship program in a competitive environment.

Besides, preparing for USMLE is also required to familiarize with the exam system. “The US has its own examination system and we have to be familiar with the way it works. The problem occurs when the board tests the foreign doctors, they don’t pass as they are not familiar with the test,” he concluded.

Nogogeni ITS defends championship title at KMHE 2022

Posted on by ITS Global Engagement

The Nogogeni ITS team, known for producing energy-efficient cars from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), has once again triumphed at the 2022 Energy-Efficient Car Competition (Kontes Mobil Hemat Energi). The team, which represents ITS at the competition, emerged victorious in the Urban Concept Electric Motor category. The announcement was made on Thursday (3/11/2022), following the final round of the competition.

This annual competition is held by the National Achievement Center (Pusat Prestasi Nasional) by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. The General Manager of the Nogogeni Team, Ghalib Fakhrizal explained that the competition requires participants to build cars with the best possible fuel efficiency. After two years of being held online, the KMHE 2022 was held on-site, located in Surabaya, at the Gelora Bung Tomo Circuit (GBT) to be precise.

Since 2015, Ghalib’s Nogogeni team has consistently participated in the Energy-Efficient Car Competition, winning awards in various categories each year. From 2019 to 2022, the team won first place in the Urban Concept Electric Motor category for four consecutive years. This year, the team competed with their Nogogeni VII Evo flagship car in the Urban Concept vehicle category, specifically in the Electric Motor energy class. The competition challenged participants to design a four-wheeled vehicle that is energy-efficient and suitable for street driving, with the race requiring the car to complete eight laps in 25 minutes.

According to Ghalib, the Nogogeni VII Evo was designed to be more aerodynamic and lightweight in order to achieve greater efficiency, which are the two primary factors in its success. The car was evaluated based on its ability to save energy and complete the race quickly, and it finished in under 25 minutes with an energy efficiency rating of 186.56 kilometers per kilowatt hour. As a result, the Nogogeni ITS Team was named the champion of the competition in its category, and Ghalib expressed hope that they will be able to maintain this title in the coming years.

ITS and Panasonic Collaboration Launches Indonesian-Made LED Bulbs

Posted on by ITS Global Engagement
Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) is committed to continuing its technology development collaboration with the industrial world and government. This year, ITS has collaborated with PT Panasonic Global Life Solution Manufacturing and the Pasuruan City Government to produce an Indonesian-made LED bulbs, which were officially launched and marketed on Friday, January 20th, 2023.
As one of the efforts to work on the Bangga Buatan Indonesia (BBI) national movement, ITS collaborated with industry and government through the Kedaulatan Indonesia dalam Reka Cipta (Kedaireka) program from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek). ITS Rector, Prof. Mochamad Ashari, mentioned the hard work of ITS academics, the Pasuruan City Government, and PT Panasonic Gobel Life Solution Manufacturing in creating the product.
The launch of the BBI LED Bulbs marks a major step forward in meeting the high demand for lamps in Indonesia. On average, each Indonesian household needs at least five lamps, adding to the already immense need for lamps in the country. This collaboration has doubled the production capacity of lamps from 50 million per year to 100 million per year, helping to not only meet the demand in Indonesia but also in the export market.
This collaboration is part of an effort to raise the level of domestic components (TKDN) in Indonesia’s electronics industry. The BBI LED Bulbs come in 14 models with seven voltage options, allowing customers to choose the right lights for their needs. The bulbs are also equipped with anti-blue light and anti-flicker technology to protect the eyes and improve lighting comfort, productivity, and energy efficiency. During the launch, the ITS Rector, Director of PT Panasonic, and Deputy Mayor of Pasuruan visited the factory to inspect the manufacturing process. It is expected that this collaboration will bring benefits to many parties by boosting national LED bulb production and improving the well-being of the people

UNAIR FTMM continues weather and air quality monitoring device development

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

Universitas Airlangga keeps making innovations in various fields. The latest research team from the Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidiscipline (FTMM) has innovated through a weather and air quality monitoring device with an internet of things (IoT) system called AIRFEEL. This innovation obtained an IPR (intellectual property right) in 2021.

Prisma Megantoro, the research team leader, said that AIRFEEL is a device that can be used to measure weather conditions and air quality, equipped with various sensors.

“AIRFEEL can be used to measure temperature, air humidity, air pressure, wind speed and rainfall. This device is equipped with seven air sensors that are used to measure pollution, such as ozone, CO2, CO, hydrogen, methane, and others,” said Prisma to UNAIR NEWS, Thursday, January 19, 2023.

AIRFEEL is also equipped with a field station consisting of sensors and controllers whose measurement results will be uploaded to the internet server and base station for further storage.

 Research journey 

AIRFEEL development was in four versions. The first version was designed in 2020 before finally experiencing various developments as it is today.

“This research started in 2020, which was overseen by us, novice lecturers, and chaired by,” said Prisma.

The first version was then developed into a second version with broader functions and uses. It was followed by the establishment of a research center at UNAIR FTMM focusing on the visibility of renewable energy power plants in Indonesia.

The development of third version was started in 2022. AIRFEEL has added sensors to measure O2, CO2, and CO in this development. The third version of AIRFEEL was successfully used in ACHD UNAIR community service activities in Sumenep, Madura.

Meanwhile, the fourth version will continue to be developed with various additions and system updates.

“The fourth version will be developed more broadly. Later it will be equipped with Android and hardware versions,” said Prisma.

Benefits and uses 

According to Prisma, knowing the weather conditions and air quality is essential to anticipate the worst possible natural phenomena. With increasingly uncertain weather conditions and air quality, especially in Surabaya, AIRFEEL is really needed.

“First, of course, because it is important to know the condition of air quality in our environment. Therefore, the first trial of AIRFEEL was conducted at UNAIR Campus C,” said Prisma.

“Furthermore, weather monitoring from the AIRFEEL device is also important, especially related to knowledge of weather conditions and climate change,” he added.

In a broader sense, AIRFEEL can be used by academics, students, the public, and industry to measure weather conditions and air quality in various locations and under different conditions.

“It has many benefits. In the scientific field, for example, AIRFEEL can be used in the fields of instrumentation, environment, health, and other fields. AIRFEEL can also be used to measure the potential of wind energy and solar energy. And, AIRFEEL can be a research supporter for other fields of science related to weather and air quality,” said Prisma.

Even though he succeeded in creating this innovation, the research led by an FTMM UNAIR lecturer had its challenges. FTMM, at that time, was still a completely new faculty, so the research was carried out without the students’ support.

By the end of 2020, this research was carried out in collaboration with FTMM students so that development could be more extensive and sophisticated.

“At the end of 2020, students supported us. It will continue in 2021-2022 so that this device can be more sophisticated and its development can be more extensive,” said Prisma.

In the future, Prisma hopes that the development of AIRFEEL can continue with various additional innovations and more sophisticated systems. Apart from that, he also hopes that AIRFEEL can attract industry interest and bring benefit to a wider community.

“I hope this product can attract industry interest and be used as a supporting device. Secondly, I hope that this tool can be widely used in society and can improve people’s lives, such as for tourism and environmental needs, “he concluded.

USU’s Faculty of Engineering processes palm oil mill waste through pyrolysis technology

Posted on by Editorial Team

Indonesia holds one of the largest palm oil commodities in the world, occupying 12.76 million hectares with a sizable area of oil palm estate in the North Sumatra Province and producing 36.59 million tonnes of Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) in 2018. Effective waste management is crucial for the life cycle of the industry in addition to its environment. Processing 100 tonnes of FFB produces waste in the form of 5 tonnes of Oil Palm Shell (OPS), 22 tonnes of Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB), 14 tonnes of Oil Palm Fiber (OPF), and Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME). POME is a highly pollutive liquid waste and accounts for an estimated 60% of the processed FFB produced substantially nationally. The combined amount of pollutants calls for better waste management that can contribute to a circular economy, especially in oil palm estates.

A team of researchers at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara, led by Dr. Eng Taufiq Bin Nur, S.T., M.Eng.Sc., have come up with an optimal waste processing technology by using pyrolysis, which can also increase the commercial value of the waste by utilizing its EFB and sludge. Applying this technology supports the realization of food security by producing organic fertilizers and, therefore, new renewable energy derived from biomass.

Pyrolysis is a thermochemical decomposition of biomass into a range of valuable products either in the total absence of oxygen or with limited oxygen. The heat needed by the process is obtained through burning biomass in the form of unused wood and EFB. The process can produce biochar, liquid smoke (bio-oil), and syngas from biomass raw materials in one production by maintaining the working temperature of the reactor constant as needed up to 550°C. The pyrolysis process increases the calorific value of the waste compared to its raw state, rising to 36.5% in the case of EFB and coffee dregs or 65% in coconut shells. When applied to EFB raw materials, at the moment, the test results at the Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute in Medan show that the biochar also had the following composition: Nitrogen (0.82%), P2O5 (0.83%, total), K2O (11.57%), Organic C (35.24%), and 0.80% Organic N.

The research team sees multiple advantages in implementing this innovative smokeless pyrolysis system in oil palm estates. Firstly, it helps minimize the environmental impact of the waste because it is smokeless, and up to 250 kg of EFB can be processed further per 5 hours, producing biochar, bio-oil, and syngas, as shown in Figures 1 – 2. Biochar and bio-oil could be an alternative to organic fertilizer. Furthermore, flue gas from the combustion can be treated further to minimize CO2 emissions in the plantation area. The heat from the system can also dry the POME sludge, allowing easier processing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 1. Biomass Pyrolysis System.

 

This pyrolysis technology innovation from USU Faculty of Engineering researchers can help overcome the Palm Oil Mill (POM) waste problem while increasing the sale value. Their goal is to operate a start-up industry producing organic fertilizer while dealing with POM waste in North Sumatra, building a sustainable industry enriched with better waste management and promoting a circular economy by cooperating with the rural enterprise.

UNAIR students ranked top 3 in international event for livestock waste innovation

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

Universitas Airlangga ( UNAIR ) students have made another achievement. Aidatul Fitriyah, a student of English language and literature, and a veterinary student, Azhar Burhanuddin, won Top 3 in “The Social Entrepreneurship International Challenge, ” a collaborative event from Prokompas, Research Synergy Foundation, and Macquarie University Australia.

In an interview with UNAIR NEWS on Friday, January 6, 2023, Aidatul Fitriyah or Afriya said that the competition she participated in consisted of several stages. The first stage is the collection of innovation papers, followed by the ten finalists’ announcements and online presentations, until the final stage and the announcement.

Furthermore, Afriya revealed that in the competition, he initiated an innovation called FAMOS. The idea of ​​FAMOS departs from its concern for global warming, which is increasingly becoming a significant problem in the world.

FAMOS is the commercialization of methane gas from recycled livestock waste to become an alternative fuel with low carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Cow dung was chosen as the material because it is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gases, so the use of livestock waste is expected to overcome global warming and achieve the seventh point in the SDGs (sustainable development goals).

According to Afriya, making the Top 3 was not an easy thing. She experienced challenges because the writing time was quite short. On the other hand, she also has to prepare a video presentation and a poster.

“It took quite a while to work on it, while we were also required to make a video presentation and an essay explaining poster,” said Afriya.

However, she admitted that she was quite satisfied with the results. Representing the team, she hopes their innovation can be realized with the collaboration of various parties, including the government and investors. Thus, the idea that is carried out can benefit the public.

“Hopefully, the innovations carried out can benefit various groups of people and obtain support from both the government and investors so they can be realized,” she said.

UNAIR Faculty of Law lecturer obtains grant from Pulitzer Center

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

One of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) academics has made another achievement. A lecturer of Faculty of Law Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), Jani Purnawanty,  has obtained 2022 Southeast Asia Journalist-Scientist Hub Impact Seed Funding (ISF) Grant from the Pulitzer Center.

Impact Seed Funding (ISF) is the inaugural program organized by the Pulitzer Center that aims to disseminate journalism works by Rainforest Investigations Network and Rainforest Journalism Fund through synergy between journalists and academics.

Designing MOOC scheme for Education on Forest Issues 

Jani proposed a project entitled Education on Community Involvement in Forest Issues using the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). The project will be realized through the creation of popular themed MOOCs,’ Carbon Trading and Forest Conservation’ and ‘Indigenous Peoples and Forest Conservation’.

“UNAIR, through the Directorate of Education Innovation and Development (DIPP), has long developed MOOCs, both subject-based MOOCs offered in study programs or popular theme-based MOOCs for the general public who are interested in studying an issue independently,” said Jani.

“Environmental issues such as forest conservation, carbon trading, and indigenous peoples living in forest areas are issues that are important for many people to understand. Broader public education can be carried out effectively through the MOOC scheme, which is designed to enrich and complement self-learning materials for the community,” she added.

Then, she said, the idea came up as a form of support for the Government of Indonesia, which had stated its commitment to implementing the Paris Agreement to show Indonesia’s seriousness in taking part in the global movement to save the Earth. One of the mechanisms to prevent Earth’s damage is reducing carbon emission levels and maintaining forest sustainability.

Furthermore, as Indonesian indigenous peoples live in forests and from forest products, the role of indigenous peoples in forest conservation is very strategic. When the government regulates and manages forests, the government must involve indigenous people because they have been the ones who, with their wisdom, have guarded and managed forests.

“One of the problems to be discussed in the MOOC’ Carbon Trading and Forest Conservation’ is related to the importance of increasing forest conservation in a carbon trading scheme. Meanwhile, the MOOC’ Indigenous Peoples and Forest Conservation’ will discuss the role of indigenous peoples in handling global warming and climate change issues,” she explained.

She also said that getting a grant award from a world-class institution such as the Pulitzer Center was a big achievement for her. However, the most important thing for her is that Universitas Airlangga, her alma mater, is recorded in the Pulitzer data.  “It confirms UNAIR as a university with a global reputation. I am very grateful to the Director of DIPP UNAIR Prof Dr I Made Narsa SE MSi Ak CA, who has provided so much convenience and fully facilitated the implementation of this MOOC. When I asked for a recommendation, he gave it right away. It is very encouraging,” she said.

Universitas Airlangga hosts 2022 WUACD Summit and Conference

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

The World University Association for Community Development (WUACD) proves that an institution could contribute significantly to the community. In 2018, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) initiated WUACD for more impactful community development programs. The platform is an integrated collaboration of universities worldwide for developing communities to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This year, UNAIR hosted the WUACD Summit and Conference in Surabaya. The first day of the Summit was held on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at the Management Building of UNAIR, Surabaya. The summit discussed several topics, including WUACD continuity and its programs.

UNAIR presented some of its ongoing and completed programs on community development, such as the Ksatria Airlangga Floating Hospital (RSTKA) and Psikologi Mencari Bakat (Psychology Got Talent).

Prof. Dr. Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih MSi, the Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation, and Community Development, explained the contributions of RSTKA to community development service. “The floating hospital was established to reach numerous remote areas in Indonesia. The RSTKA helps distribute main necessities, such as energy, food, or health, especially for the COVID-19 vaccination program,” Prof. Nyoman said. The archipelagic conditions of Indonesia make equal health service distribution challenging to achieve. “Apart from the health services, RSTKA also provides education for the community,” she continued.

Dr Niko Azhari Hidayat Sp BTKV(K), the coordinator of WUACD health and environment program, explained the Psikologi Mencari Bakat (PMB). The program was managed by UNAIR Faculty of Psychology (FPsi) in collaboration with psychology practitioners and intended for children with disabilities. Since 2021, PMB has collaborated with WUACD to invite international guest judges from Malaysia. At that time, PMB gave 466 children with disabilities the opportunity to show their talents and interests. “The program distinctively stands out as it boosts children’s confidence. They can play, sharpen their skills, and gain potential abilities from the surroundings,” he ended.

The summit also held a signing session of memorandums of understanding between the participating transnational institutions.