Login
Register

Tag: Indonesia

UNAIR alumni business wins international pitching competition

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

Three Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) alumni who developed the Markas Walet (lit: Swallow Headquarter) business, M Fairuzzuddin Zuhair CEO of Lentera Alam Nusantara or Markas Walet and two co-founders Maulana Satria Aji and M Taufiqul Yakin won an international business pitch competition. They achieved a proud feat as the best presenter in a pitching competition at the National University of Singapore (NUS) last March.

Fairuz, representing the team, explained that Markas Walet is a company engaged in manufacturing and agro-technology. Specifically, in the swallow’s nest ecosystem. “We are engaged in manufacturing and agrotechnology, especially in the swallow nest ecosystem. We manage the swallow nest so that it can be more optimal in terms of quality and quantity,” M Fairuzzuddin Zuhair told UNAIR NEWS on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.

Furthermore, Fairuz also explained that the Markas Walet business is a “huge opportunity” as research on swallow cultivation is quite limited, so there is no specific guide to optimize the management of the swallow nest ecosystem. “So far, they mostly base it on myths like others’ statements. In fact, to improve the quantity, it should not only be based on mythical aspects, but also scientific aspects,” he explained.

Fairuz said that the huge market opportunity was the team’s strong reason for developing the Markas Walet business. In his opinion, there is a great need to develop education in swallow nest ecosystem management. Furthermore, based on agricultural data, there are hundreds of thousands of swallow nest in Indonesia, but only about three thousand can be accounted for. “So we need to improve the registration of the swallow nests so that the export quota approved by the destination country can be higher,” he added.

In developing the business, Fairuz and his team also integrated artificial intelligence into the swallow nest management system. This makes the company the only swallow nest management company developed in Indonesia. Fairuz and his team also saw that the market size of swallow nests is relatively large. “So the market is very big, and the demand is increasing by about 10-15 percent every year,” he said.

In terms of target market, the company plans to enter the Chinese market. Another effort he has made in managing his own company, Markas Walet, is to unite the views and contributions of each founder and focus on this business opportunity.

“Maybe for the BPBRIN Incubator start-up team, we need to look and capture with our helicopter view, we don’t need to look at the short term of our business journey. With a helicopter view, we can assess the extent of our business potential. We can anticipate this by actively playing, participating and expanding our knowledge on the national and international stage,” he concluded.

For the record, Fairuz has also won the LPDP Business Growth Plan 2023 event. As a result of this achievement, Fairuz had the opportunity to attend a short course in Singapore, and this pitching competition was the main event of the course.

3 FISIP study programs at Universitas AIrlangga gain FIBAA international accreditation

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

Universitas Airlangga has achieved another commendable milestone. Three study programs from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at UNAIR have officially attained international recognition. The Sociology, Political Science, and Anthropology programs have gained international accreditation by FIBAA.

FIBAA, Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation, is an international accreditation body that ensures the quality of education according to the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) criteria. FIBAA has globally recognized assessment standards, making it prestigious.

Accreditation process

The accreditation journey with FIBAA for these three programs has been quite extensive. Numerous stages and adjustments were carried out by the teams at FISIP UNAIR. Collaboration has involved all academics in the programs, including students and alumni.

Kalimah Wasis, S.IP., M.Sc., the FIBAA Accreditation Manager for the Political Science study program, explained efforts were made to conduct a workload study survey among students to ensure FIBAA standards are met. It is aimed to measure the students’ study loads.

Furthermore, a tracer study of alumni experiences during their studies was conducted, along with surveys involving stakeholders and alumni who are now employed.

“Students were involved in the preparation for FIBAA accreditation. Student assessments are crucial in this accreditation,” she explained.

After submitting curriculum documents, Semester Learning Plan (RPS) documents, Self Evaluation Report (SER), appendices, and other supporting documents, the next stage involved the three departments undergoing accreditation visits by FIBAA assessors and report evaluations.

Commitment to quality

One of the lecturers in the Department of Sociology, Ratna Azis Prasetyo, S.Sos., M.Sosio, explained that the main supporting factor for the success of FIBAA accreditation is the collective determination and commitment to improvement. Commitment to educational quality through national and international accreditation is crucial.

“So far, the Sociology national accreditation has been excellent, supplemented by previous accreditation by the international Accreditation Service for International Schools (ASIC). With FIBAA’s accreditation, it will undoubtedly strengthen the study program’s position both nationally and internationally,” she elaborated.

On the other hand, the Head of the Anthropology Department, Pudjio Santoso, Drs., M.Sosio, is highly optimistic that this FIBAA accreditation will give a positive impression. “The Anthropology program at FISIP UNAIR is the only anthropology study program in Indonesia specializing in socio-cultural and physical anthropology. That’s what impresses them (the FIBAA assessors),” he stated.

With this achievement, the three study programs remain committed to enhancing quality and welcome feedback from various stakeholders, including students and alumni.

The study program managements extend gratitude to all those who have assisted in the accreditation process. Without such assistance, the international accreditation process would not have proceeded smoothly.

Pesticides as “Medicine”, Investigating Pesticide Use Among Farmers by USU Student

Posted on by Fotarisman Zaluchu

The escalating use of pesticides has become a cause for concern. In just the past decade, pesticide usage has surpassed previous levels, raising significant alarm due to its impacts not only on the environment but also on farmers, with further implications extending to consumers. Clearly, this situation is quite worrisome.

Novi Fitriani Nazara, a student of the Social Anthropology Department at Universitas Sumatera Utara, conducted research to delve into pesticide usage in one of the largest agricultural areas in North Sumatra. “Indonesia’s position is alarming as it ranks among the top five countries in the world in terms of pesticide usage,” stated Novi, the researcher. “This is based on data from the FAO in 2024. However, we acknowledge that the actual data may be much larger”.

After conducting research for four months in the Karo Regency using a live-experienced approach, Novi elucidated, “I found that pesticide usage is intertwined with local perceptions. Farmers express that pesticides are their only option. They are facing changing climates, and they do not want to fail in their harvests. “Ironically even though they are aware of the health impacts of pesticides, they overlook them. They view pesticides as medicine for their plants, similar to how humans need treatment when they are sick.”

The research supervisor, Dr. Fotarisman Zaluchu, revealed that this study employs a structural violence approach. By utilizing the concept of structural violence, we reflect on the vulnerable position of farmers exposed to pesticides, while they are far from accessing health empowerment. This research demonstrates that farmers do not receive adequate protection to prevent continuous exposure to pesticides. “Thus, the use of pesticides by farmers is a long-standing consequence of human-nonhuman relations, leading to dependency effects. This cannot be severed as the government plays a limited role in protecting farmers, instead allowing these incidents to persist.”

Novi presented her research findings in a seminar organized by the Social Anthropology Department at the end of April 2024. It is hoped that this research will produce a policy brief that will benefit stakeholders.

An Oud to Paradise: The Quest for the Perfect Cup of Agarwood Tea

Posted on by Editorial Team

Gaharu, agarwood, or oud, also known as the Wood of Gods, is one of the most expensive woods in the world. Its high price is due to the scarcity of agarwood trees and the lack of cultivation, and it has been listed for conservation because of habitat loss and overlogging. In Indonesia, designated conservation areas are home to the primary source of agarwood, the Aquilaria malaccensis. The hardwood tree can grow up to 40 meters with a 40-60 cm trunk diameter; its wood is straight with whitish brown bark and delicate texture, while the inner part of the wood before the core or the sapwood is uniformly black and exudes a fragrant aroma when cut. This part of the sapwood determines the quality of the agarwood.

The fragrant aroma of agarwood is caused by the fungus Fusarium sp, which attacks the sapwood but also causes changes in its chemical composition for which the agarwood is sought; the fragrance for perfume and incense, and the anti-bacterial, anti-fungal capabilities for cough medicine and insecticide. Its high resin content makes it widely used in the perfume industry.

This particularity of the agarwood plant attracted Ridwanti Batubara, S.Hut, MP, a lecturer at the Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara, to research other benefits and uses of agarwood. Her previous studies focused on medicinal plant research; Ridwanti began conducting a series of research in 2012 with assistance from The Wikstea Instant Prastartup Team consisting of Sri Megawati Lubis (CEO), Rizki Hambali Harahap, Adrian Anshori Hasibuan, Karina Aulia, and Ilfa Nindita Harahap for research development.

The process was carried out through an extended period from 2012 to 2021. It began in 2012-2014 with initial product development, chemical content, potential anti-oxidant research, consumer testing (hedonic test), and comparison tests with other herbal teas. They continued testing in 2015-2016 on the safety of agarwood leaf tea non-clinically, then on the availability of raw agarwood leaf tea resources and shelf life in 2017-2019. In 2020, the development of products made from agarwood leaf extract and instant agarwood tea began. In 2021, a shelf-life test and microbial contamination were carried out, and the “Instant Wikstea” pre-startup was pioneered.

Ridwanti states that agarwood leaves are rich in benefits and anti-oxidants. Although the tree has begun to be widely planted and cultivated in recent years, its leaves are rarely used. She sees this as an untapped potential for research into agarwood leaf tea, although with some reservations.

Many people complain about agarwood tea because it has a tart and unpleasant taste due to the presence of tannins. Thankfully, rigorous three-year safety tests reveal that the tea is safe for consumption and possesses beneficial properties for the skin. Both natural and cultivated agarwood are rich in benefits and anti-oxidants.

Ridwanti revealed that she tried the agarwood tea processing technology with a simple drying method. The leaves are dried, brewed, dried in the sun, in the oven, then roasted. This process determines the optimum longevity of the anti-oxidants after the tea has been packaged. Ridwanti emphasizes that she wanted to avoid using various additives to increase shelf life and recommends three months at a cooler temperature for display storage.

Regarding its taste, Ridwanti also experimented with natural flavorings for those who don’t like the tea’s bitter taste. Through some consumer testing, the most favored ones are the original agarwood, ginger, and lemongrass flavors.

Ridwanti intends to explore further uses for the efficacy of agarwood tea on health, such as for COVID-19 patients, considering that one of its benefits is to increase stamina and immunity. In cooking, dishes can also be mixed with agarwood leaves, and if mixed in while cooking rice, it can also slow down its staleness.

For its many benefits and valuable properties, Ridwanti still hopes that the government can further strengthen the conservation of Indonesian agarwood forests while wisely controlling the utilization of raw agarwood materials for various industries. She explained that natural agarwood and cultivated agarwood are strongly influenced by soil quality. Agarwood can grow in the lowlands to the highlands. Common on the banks of rivers and in rubber tree forests. Its symbiosis with rubber plants suggests a healthy ecosystem is needed if this tree of paradise has a hope of continuing to grace the earth with its divine aroma.

UNAIR signs MoA with National Dong Hwa University Taiwan on research, mobility, and community service

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

Universitas Airlangga has partnered with another international university to expand its collaboration network. Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the National Dong Hwa University, Taiwan on Friday, March 1, 2024, at the Bali Room, ASEEC Tower, Dharmawangsa B Campus, UNAIR. The MoA focuses on future collaborations, including joint classes, student exchanges, and community development initiatives, particularly for the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) and the Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidiscipline (FTMM).

The signing ceremony was attended by the Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Prof. Wu-Yuin Hwang Ph.D., along with his team; the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), Prof. Miratul Khasanah M.Si., and her team; the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidiscipline (FTMM), Prof. Dr. Retna Apsari M.Si., and her team; as well as the Vice Director of Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE), Dr. Dina Septiani Ph.D.

“I am aware of the exceptional quality of Universitas Airlangga’s medical school. Also the Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidiscipline, which is new. I am delighted to explore opportunities for further collaboration as the prospects are indeed vast,” said Prof. Hwang.

Invitation for student exchange

Prof. Dr. Retna hoped that these discussions would pave the way for collaborations in community service, joint classes, and collaborative research endeavors. “We have five study programs: Data Science Technology, Nanotechnology Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, as well as Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Engineering. We envision potential collaborations, starting from joint classes, joint research, and community service that we can discuss further in the future,” she said.

“The joint classes facilitated by Airlangga Global Engagement are still open for consideration. If there is interest, further discussions can be arranged,” she added.

Prof. Hwang also agreed on student exchange between both universities. Moreover, CSAE already has an international program, so exchange students do not need to learn Mandarin beforehand.

“Currently, 39 Indonesian students are studying at CSAE, and regarding expenses, there is no need to worry. Because we provide scholarships, especially for excellent students,” he emphasized.

Co-supervising opportunity

The meeting also resulted in a discussion on the realization of student co-supervising between the two universities. “Considering our mutual research interests, we aspire to embark on co-supervision initiatives, especially in areas where our research intersects. Perhaps lecturers from CSAE could visit Indonesia, or our students could go to Taiwan,” concluded Prof. Dr. Retna.

Estimating Ship-hull Roughness Using Laser-based Flow Diagnostics

Posted on by ITS Global Engagement

Biofouling refers to the accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae, and animals on submerged surfaces, particularly in aquatic environments. In the context of ships, biofouling occurs when these organisms adhere to the hull and other submerged structures, forming a layer of marine growth. This accumulation can have significant adverse effects on a ship’s performance and efficiency. Biofouling increases drag, resulting in higher fuel consumption and operational costs. Additionally, it can reduce the vessel’s speed, maneuverability, and overall hydrodynamic efficiency.

After obtaining a small funding from the Australia-Indonesia Centre (AIC) in 2014, to get to know each other and seek the potential of joint research, Prof. I Ketut Aria Pria Utama from ITS and Prof Jason Monty together with Prof Nick Hutchins from Melbourne University decided to continue the collaboration. Acknowledging the crucial importance of energy conservation in ships and the concept of understanding the growth of boundary layer, Prof Utama, Prof Monty and Prof Hutchins together with Prof Barathram Ganapathisubramani from Southampton University UK submitted a proposal and later received a two-year funding from the Newton Fund in 2015. All of them have similar interest and strong background in fluid mechanics.

The research required a ship for experimentation, and PT. Dharma Lautan Utama, a company owned by an ITS alumnus, generously provided one. During the experiments, the ship’s bottom part was replaced with glass and subjected to laser scans to examine the growth of boundary layer. The movements of the ship were meticulously recorded. The outcomes of this research garnered attention, including coverage by Australian television and the publication of several significant papers, prompting its continuation. This part of research finally ended in 2018.

However, due to the Newton Fund’s one-time funding policy for research on the same topic, Prof. Hutchins as the team leader has seeked further support and finally secured additional funding from the Australian Research Council, covering the period from 2021 to 2025. This time, PT Samudra Indonesia provides a ship to support the research; the current ship sails even farther to the ocean hence the results will be more interesting. The involvement of PT Samudera Indonesia is (by accident) in correlation with the recent MoU between ITS and the biggest shipping companies in the country. Luckily, some of the managers involving in the project, were ITS students in naval architecture. In addition, the project includes a PhD student from Indonesia and funded by LPDP.

As in the first part, the research team has presented the work in prestigious conferences of fluid mechanics in Madrid (Spain) and Washington DC (USA) and received considerable attention because of the use of commercial vessel, which is very unlikely so far. Whilst the research is still progressing, the team is preparing to publish the work to high-ranked journal such as Nature and Physics of Fluid, and other flagship conferences.

Communication FISIP USU Organizes Another Training to Empower Women of Medan City

Posted on by Maryam Mazaya

The Communication Science Study Program of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) again organized a dedication program. This time dedicated to empowering urban women. Led by the head of the Communication Science Study Program, Mrs. Dra. Mazdalifah M.Si., Ph.D., this dedication targeted female traditional herbal medicine (jamu) sellers, the majority of whom originate from Java and now reside in Medan City.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Medan City, there exists a group of female jamu sellers who lead lives full of dedication. They not only strive to supplement their family incomes but also inherit family traditions in making and selling jamu, a traditional beverage rich in health benefits. The majority of them hail from Java, choosing to migrate to Medan City to improve the economic status of their families.

However, in 1998, Indonesia was hit by an economic crisis that saw a sharp increase in prices of essential commodities, including those needed to produce jamu. This posed a significant burden for the female jamu sellers, who were forced to face even greater economic difficulties. In response to this issue, Mrs. Dra. Mazdalifah M.Si., Ph.D., a communication lecturer from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at USU, was moved to assist them by providing business capital through the Medan Urban Women’s Foundation, Yayasan Perkotaan Perempuan Kota Medan (YP2M), which she leads. This collaboration not only offered financial assistance but also empowered these women economically and socially.

Every year, the female jamu sellers regularly receive business capital assistance from YP2M. Mazdalifah and her team, supported by students as field assistants, periodically meet with them. These meetings serve not only as a platform for providing assistance but also as an opportunity to strengthen their skills and knowledge. During each monthly meeting, they are given counseling on business management, health, religious education, politics, and other relevant topics.

On October 13, 2024, a series of empowerment activities were conducted by channeling business capital assistance to a group of female jamu sellers on Halat Street, Medan City. With 12 recipients in total, each received business capital assistance amounting to 2 million Indonesian Rupiah. This was done as part of a sustainable effort to support and develop their jamu businesses.

In addition to providing financial assistance, Mazdalifah also actively conducts political participation counseling for these women, considering the upcoming General Election on February 14, 2024. Through this counseling, they are given an understanding of the importance of voting wisely, understanding candidate track records, and avoiding the spread of fake news. This aims to increase their political awareness and active participation in the democratic process.

The collaboration between YP2M and the female jamu sellers has been ongoing for 24 years, and both parties are deeply grateful for this. As the chairperson of YP2M, Mazdalifah feels proud to continue accompanying them on this long jouey. Meanwhile, the female jamu sellers feel supported and motivated to continue developing their businesses to remain sustainable and independent.

With ongoing collaboration and continuous support, the hope of seeing these women develop into intelligent and independent individuals in various fields becomes increasingly achievable. This is a tangible example of how empowering urban women can create a wide-ranging positive impact on society.

#CommunicationFISIPUSU #UniversitasSumateraUtara #USU #FISIPUSU

FISIP UNAIR hosts student visit from Phillips-Marburg Universität, Germany

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) UNAIR hosted a student visit from Phillips-Marburg Universität, Germany, on Thursday, March 7, 2024. The event, held in the Adi Sukadana Hall, was titled “International Visit & Cultural Discussion from Phillips-Marburg Universität”.

Phillips-Marburg Universität sent 33 of its students to learn about Javanese cultures in Surabaya. The agenda was also attended by the Student Executive Board (BEM) of FISIP UNAIR, aiming to build a global network with foreign students.

The event served as a platform to acquaint the visitors with Surabaya’s culture and wisdom, with a special emphasis on showcasing local traditions, particularly the Javanese script or Hanacaraka. It provided the German students with an opportunity to delve into the cultural ethos of Java.

Dhahana Adi, Cultural Program Assistant at Wisma Jerman delivered a welcoming speech. “This visit marks the first encounter at FISIP as part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FISIP UNAIR and the University of Marburg. Surabaya Cultural Odyssey serves as a platform for foreign students to learn about Surabaya’s culture and wisdom. I hope for more collaborations in the future, especially with the Goethe Institute,” he said.

The students visited the Ethnographic Museum and the Center of Death Studies at FISIP UNAIR. The next agenda was elaborated by International Relations lecturer Probo Darono Yakti, S.Hub.Int., M.Hub.Int.

“The visit will take place in Surabaya, we will engage with the local communities and learn traditional arts,” he said.

The German students are introduced to various cultures in East Java, ranging from Reog, pencak silat, “Rek Ayo Rek” song, to wayang. The excitement continues as the students dance together to “Gemu Fa Mi Re” and “Kewer-Kewer”. Furthermore, they also played traditional games with other FISIP students.

For the following activities, a tour of Surabaya to introduce the city to the German students, followed by cultural practices at the Balai Pemuda has been scheduled. The German students eagerly embraced the opportunity to interact with their peers from FISIP UNAIR. They are eager to learn about the local culture during their stay in Surabaya.

ITS Hemoglobest team garners attention from STMicroelectronics after Pimnas triumph

Posted on by ITS Global Engagement

Following their triumph at the 36th National Student Scientific Week (Pimnas) in the category of the Student Creativity Program on Creative Initiatives (PKM-KC) in 2023, the Hemoglobest Team at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) received an encouraging development: they were contacted by STMicroelectronics (STM). STMicroelectronics is a global high-tech company creating semiconductor technologies for various industries, who saw potential in the Hemoglobest innovation. They reached out to the Hemoglobest Team following their success story at Pimnas. This partnership prospect signifies a remarkable opportunity for Hemoglobest to advance its technology and potentially bring it to a wider audience.

Under the mentorship of Dr. Astria Nur Irfansyah, a senior lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering, the team had successfully developed a pioneering hemoglobin detector named Hemoglobest. With a primary focus on lupus, an autoimmune disease associated with adverse effects like anemia, the Hemoglobest Team’s initiative aimed to introduce a non-invasive hemoglobin detector. This device, driven by artificial intelligence, facilitated the measurement of hemoglobin levels and predicted the likelihood of anemia without invasive procedures. Its non-invasive nature ensured ease of use and eliminated user discomfort. The operational mechanism involved the utilization of five light spectrums absorbed by hemoglobin in the blood vessels of the fingertips, surpassing traditional oximeters that typically rely on only two spectrums.

By employing an STM32 microcontroller, STMicroelectronics could enhance the capabilities of Hemoglobest. The STM32 microcontroller, known for its efficiency and advanced features, seamlessly integrated artificial intelligence functions into the device. This not only conserved power but also served as an early warning system for lupus patients. Moreover, the non-invasive design aimed to reduce medical waste associated with conventional procedures, offering a sustainable solution for patients. The potential impact of Hemoglobest on minimizing medical waste in Indonesia is significant, and with the collaboration with STMicroelectronics, its reach and effectiveness may be further amplified.

Communication FISIP USU holds training on importance of public speaking

Posted on by Maryam Mazaya

Last 2023, on Saturday 9 September to be precise, the Communication Studies Program of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at Universitas Sumatra Utara (USU) took an important step in community engagement. Led by the Department of Communication Studies, a team of dedicated lecturers organized a public speaking training session for 60 students, teachers and the principal of SMA Al Washliyah 1 Medan.

The training consisted of three main modules: “The Power of Public Speaking”, “Body Language” and “Master of Ceremony/Speech Delivery”. Under the guidance of the Community Engagement Team chaired by Dra. Fatma Wardy Lubis MA, and USU communication science students.

“Communication is very important and is needed in the world of work, so the ability to speak in public is very necessary,” said Fatma Wardy Lubis. In the presentation of material on public speaking, FISIP USU alumni Iffah Zulfah Imaroh shared insights on mastering the role of master of ceremony (MC).

According to Iffah, being an MC requires not only a melodious voice, but also a strong personality and intellectual depth. She said that an MC must have extensive knowledge, a large vocabulary, good language skills, and a good personality.

The training ended with Shevilla Mayori’s presentation on the importance of body language when speaking or presenting in public. She concluded that we cannot gesture carelessly, as it can show disrespect. It is recommended to use the thumb or the whole hand when speaking in public.

After the informative session, the event continued with a competition involving high school participants. They were given 20 minutes to prepare their speeches, after which they showcased their public speaking talents by giving speeches, MC-ing, and giving reviews.

To reflect on the experience, one of the participants said he thought the activities organized by Communication USU this public speaking training were very useful for them. Similarly, another participant said that the event was a lot of fun and the games enriched their experience. They felt it helped them correct their mistakes in public speaking.

Under the guidance of Fatma Wardy Lubis, the team of lecturers from the Communication Science Department, including Moulita and Munzaimah Masril, alongside a psychologist, Raras Sutatminingsih, spearheaded this community engagement initiative. Through such collaborative efforts, the University of Sumatera Utara continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing confident and articulate individuals, contributing to the broader societal development agenda.