FACT manifests UGM and SUTD’s commitment to providing clean and renewable energy as part of their community service efforts. 

The activity, which took place from Jan. 6 to 10, focused on modeling uncertainty and designing a PV system for the riverside community. 

This year’s FACT was attended by 43 UGM students from the DTMI, Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (DTETI), Department of Chemical Engineering (DTK), and 33 students from SUTD.

Dr. Achmad Pratama Rifai from DTMI UGM stated that FACT participants worked together in groups at the DTMI Technical Drawing Laboratory, RW 05 Kalurahan Terban, and the Kalurahan Cokrodiningratan Wastewater Treatment Installation. 

In line with the theme, participants were tasked with designing a model for installing solar panels that could be utilized by the communities in Terban and Cokrodiningratan for daily activities requiring electricity, such as community gatherings, water pumping for clean water, and wastewater treatment.

On the first day, participants received a briefing and background materials about the locations for the solar panel installations. This was important to provide an initial understanding of the sites to be visited. 

“Several solar panels are already installed at different points. Participants will model the potential spots for solar panel installations,” explained Dr. Rifai.

He added that with the foundational knowledge gained, participants were taken on a field trip on the second day to visit the sites in Terban and Cokrodiningratan. 

Supriyanto, the Head of RW 05 Kalurahan Terban, welcomed the field trip at the Nidaul Jannah Mosque Hall in Terban. The residents of Terban warmly welcomed the participants. 

“We are happy to welcome guests from SUTD again. We hope the activities will run smoothly,” said Supriyanto.

On the first day, after being divided into groups, participants proceeded to their respective sites to gather detailed data necessary for their tasks, assisted by liaison officers (LO) from the Industrial Engineering Student Association (HMTI) UGM and local community officials. 

After the field trip, participants had the opportunity to reflect on their visit and engage in discussions to prepare the models for presentation.

The designed models’ presentations were then conducted, with each group given 7 minutes to present and 10 minutes for questions from the judges. 

The judging panel consisted of Dr. Wong Wei Pin (SUTD), Dr. Achmad Pratama Rifai (DTMI UGM), and Dr. Robertus Dhimas Dhewangga Putra (DTMI UGM). 

The judges assessed several aspects of the participants’ presentations, including the formulation of the problem statement, data presentation, determination of hypotheses and analysis boundaries, solution methods, presentation of solutions and their impacts, and the group’s presentation performance.

Based on their evaluation, the judges selected one best team and two best individual participants, one from UGM and one from SUTD. 

After completing the evaluations, the judges named Team 9 the best team and Srikanth Srider (SUTD) and Chika Zenita Sabrina (DTK UGM) the best participants. 

The participants then had the opportunity to attend lectures from UGM and SUTD faculty members. They participated in lectures delivered by Dr. Wong Wei Pin (SUTD), Syahirul Alim Ritonga (UGM), Dr. Jose Rafael Martinez Garcia (SUTD), and Dr. Yun Prihantina Mulyani (UGM).

In his closing remarks, Dr. Jose Rafael Martinez Garcia reminded the participants about the importance of considering human aspects in the community, even in quantitative modeling. 

“Considering the human aspect in a community is also important,” explained Dr. Garcia.

Dr. Wong Wei Pin expressed a similar sentiment, wishing that both SUTD and UGM participants could learn valuable lessons from the FACT program. 

“The participants’ creativity was awe-inspiring. I hope everyone gained valuable insights and continues to innovate in designing human-centered solutions,” he added.

Dr. Adhika Widyaparaga, Secretary of DTMI UGM, explained that this year’s FACT topic is related to the SDGs, such as affordable clean energy. 

“Modelling uncertainty in FACT plays a significant role in realizing this by designing the right energy generation system to avoid potential errors,” he said.

Dr. Widyaparaga hopes that this community service activity, a collaboration between the two universities, will inspire students to continue innovating to produce clean, renewable, and affordable energy.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Artikel UGM and SUTD Students Design Solar Panel Installation Model in Yogyakarta pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This community service was held in Jaban Hamlet, Sleman Regency, on Sunday (Nov. 24). It included a river clean-up, fish and shrimp fry release, and the installation of recommendation/prohibition signs along the Boyong River.

Dr. Eko Setyobudi, the Community Service Coordinator, stated that the service activity aimed to preserve the aquatic ecosystem. 

By maintaining and conserving the river, public awareness will grow while actively contributing to environmental preservation, especially river ecosystems. 

“This activity is a form of regular community service conducted by the MSA Program, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, to raise awareness of the importance of protecting and preserving rivers for life,” he said.

This event involved over 75 participants, including MSA lecturers, undergraduate and graduate students, and community representatives. It collaborated with the Boyong and Buntung River Environmental Activists Group (KPLS) from Sinduharjo Village. Coincidentally, the service activity coincided with the Merti Kali event. 

“It’s timely, as Merti Kali is the community’s way of expressing gratitude to the river, which is a vital part of their lives,” explained Dr. Setyobudi.

Professor Djumanto, Head of the MSA Program, welcomed the service activity. Given current environmental changes, he believes efforts to preserve aquatic ecosystems, including rivers, are essential.

He noted that a healthy ecosystem provides better ecological services and can support the lives of the surrounding community. 

He also mentioned that the water quality in the Boyong River remains clean, even during the dry season. This condition is certainly good news for the sustainability of aquatic life and efforts to improve community welfare through fishery resource management. 

“We all hope that fish fry release and river clean-up activities will positively impact both the environment and the community. With programs like this, we hope to increase public awareness of the importance of keeping rivers clean and maintaining the sustainability of fishery resources,” he explained.

In addition to the river clean-up, the MSA Program regularly conducts fish fry releases in several locations. The fish fry released primarily consists of non-invasive endemic species, including 8,000 nilem fish fry and 1,250 giant freshwater prawn fry. 

This effort aims to enhance biodiversity while supporting sustainable development goals related to aquatic ecosystems.

Sumadi, the Head of KPLS, expressed his gratitude to all parties involved. He hopes similar service activities will continue in future programs. 

He also hopes that information about the river clean-up and fish fry release activities will spread widely. 

“The Boyong River is one of the important rivers in Sleman Regency, and it has an abundant water supply, even during the dry season. We are also grateful that this coincides with the Boyong Edufest, which includes a poster exhibition from the activities of UGM’s International Relations Department students,” said Sumadi.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Photos: MSA Program

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel UGM Students and Lecturers Hold Boyong River Clean-Up pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The two students, Muh Ilham Kholid (Agricultural Engineering 2021) and Nida Tiara Arrosikha (Industrial Agricultural Technology 2022) participated in the theme “Towards Sustainable and Equitable Waste Management in Indonesia.” 

During the summit, the UGM delegation presented their waste management innovation through a paper and discussion at the forum group discussion (FGD).

Kholid and Arrosikha were awarded ‘Best Paper Delegation’ for their paper titled “Implementation of Smart Permavillage as an Innovative Village-Level Waste Management System in Gondang 3 Huntap, Wukirsari, Sleman.” 

According to Kholid, the paper was derived from their social project conducted under Telkom Indonesia’s Innovillage program. 

The program, held between Dec. 20, 2023, and Feb. 20, 2024, emphasized community-led, integrated, and centralized waste management systems. 

The concept of a ‘Smart Permavillage’ is rooted in sustainable permaculture principles. It focuses on converting waste into biogas and bio-slurry.

Additionally, waste generated by the community was classified based on its potential utility, adopting the ‘food recovery hierarchy’ principle. 

The program positively impacted three aspects of life in the resettlement area: environmental sustainability, economic welfare, and food security. 

“The goal is to minimize waste sent to digesters and promote a circular economy,” Kholid told reporters on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. 

Their participation in PGIS reflects the youth’s commitment to contributing to better waste management in Indonesia. Kholid noted that this was his first experience attending a conference. 

Meanwhile, Arrosikha expressed her joy in gaining new perspectives on waste management innovations in Indonesia. 

“It was a remarkable event, and I hope waste management in Indonesia will soon achieve greater equity,” she said.

Author: Tiefany  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson  

Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna Nurseisa Azrien

Artikel Two UGM Students Win Best Paper at Padjadjaran Green Innovation Summit 2024 pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This inauguration is part of a community service project to empower Terban residents by enhancing energy resilience and access to clean water.

Dr. Budi Arifvianto coordinated the solar panel project, while Dr. Nur Mayke Eka Normasari led the clean water access project. 

Dr. Jimly Al Faraby, Manager of Partnership, Community Service, and Alumni Services at FT UGM, conducted the inauguration ceremony. 

During the event in Terban Village on Wednesday (Oct. 16), Dr. Al Faraby was accompanied by the Acting Head of Terban Village, Tutut Hari Kartono, and the Chair of RW 05 Terban, Supriyanto.

Dr. Al Faraby expressed gratitude for these two community service programs and emphasized the positive collaboration between UGM and the local community. 

“This initiative demonstrates that the university is not only a place for intellectual pursuits but also for creating tangible societal benefits. This program has been ongoing for five years, and we hope it will continue, be developed further, and studied at the university to be applied to other communities,” Dr. Al Faraby said.

He highlighted the value of the knowledge gained from installing solar panels and providing clean water access in Terban Village. He explained that the true benefit of knowledge is realized when it is shared with society rather than kept within the confines of academia. 

“When brought to the community, it becomes much more useful. Everyone benefits, and we at the university also gain because we can apply our knowledge, receive feedback from the community, and further develop our ideas to give back,” he explained.

Dr. Al Faraby hopes Terban Village can become an energy-independent community. He believes supporting Terban in achieving sustainable energy independence is essential and envisions it as a model for environmentally friendly energy. 

“We hope Terban can brand itself as an energy-friendly village where people see how technology is embraced for sustainable energy. This could potentially impact tourism and, in turn, improve the local economy,” he added.

Representing the Yogyakarta City Government, the Acting Head of Terban Village, Tutut Hari Kartono, expressed his gratitude for FT UGM’s contributions to Terban. 

He noted that the solar panel and clean water access projects illustrate the synergy among the “5 Ks” in building and supporting the well-being of the city’s residents. The 5 Ks refer to City, Corporate, Campus, Community, and Village. 

“This is a great example of campus and village synergy, and we are grateful to UGM for transferring academic knowledge to the community,” he remarked.

Supriyanto, Chair of RW 05 Terban, praised the community service program for addressing residents’ basic needs, such as solar-powered lighting and clean water. 

“We are grateful because the technology applied here educates the community and meets their basic needs,” he said.

Supriyanto also shared that since the local RW administration formed water user groups, residents have been able to save on water costs gradually. With the support of UGM’s clean water project, households have significantly reduced their water expenses. 

“We are thankful for being able to cut water costs by up to 70 percent. Where residents used to spend hundreds of thousands of rupiah on water, they now only pay around 20 thousand, and we can even save for maintenance costs,” he explained.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Photographer: Donnie

Artikel Empowering Terban Community: UGM’s Solar and Water Projects Enhance Energy and Resource Access pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The Kurita Grant, or Kurita Water and Environment Foundation (KWEF) Grant, is a research grant dedicated to water management and environmental technology for Ph.D. students, lecturers, and academics. 

This program, funded by Kurita Water Industries Ltd., aims to support research on water resource conservation in Asia.

This award provides financial support for Erfianti and her team’s research and opens up opportunities for collaboration with researchers in Japan. 

In an online interview on Thursday (Oct. 3), Erfianti expressed her gratitude that her proposal was the only one representing UGM that KWEF accepted. 

“I feel thrilled and grateful that KWEF has recognized my research,” she said.

According to Erfianti, receiving this award was not easy. For example, when preparing the proposal, she had to summarize all her research ideas into a single page, as the committee required. 

After obtaining approval from her academic supervisors, she submitted the proposal to the official Kurita Water and Environment Foundation (KWEF) website, where it underwent a selection process lasting 3–4 months. 

“Our proposal was eventually selected, and we received funding of around 400,000 yen, equivalent to IDR 43,000,000, for a one-year research period,” she revealed.

When asked about her research, Erfianti explained that it stemmed from the fact that despite various improvement efforts, water management in Indonesia still faces many challenges. 

Several key issues contribute to suboptimal management, including high pollution levels, limited waste treatment infrastructure, and significant pressure on water resources due to industrial, agricultural, and urbanization activities. 

“Through this event, I can contribute to water management efforts in Indonesia, specifically in remediating POME waste,” she said.

Erfianti’s research focuses on utilizing nitrogen-rich wastewater as a growth medium for microalgae. With POME production in Indonesia reaching 28.7 million tons annually, Erfianti sees great potential in managing and transforming this waste into a resource. 

“Our research team at the Faculty of Biology has more than 35 leading strains of Indonesian microalgae capable of remediating waste, especially wastewater. This led to the idea of utilizing the liquid waste,” she explained.

Her promotor, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono from the Faculty of Biology, supervises her research, along with co-promotors Professor Budi Setiadi Daryono from the Faculty of Biology and Professor Arief Budiman from the Faculty of Engineering. 

In this project, Erfianti is assisted by Brilian Ryan Sadewo from the Faculty of Engineering and Renata Adaranyssa Egistha Putri from the Graduate School. 

They proposed a research topic highly relevant to current environmental challenges, titled “Microalgae-Based Nitrogen-Rich Wastewater Treatment Enhanced by Biorefinery Concept and Omics Technology for Sustainable Waste Management.”

Author: Lintang  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Artikel Research on Palm Oil Mill Effluent Treatment: UGM Student Wins Research Grant from Japan pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Addressing this environmental issue, a research team from the Department of Chemical Engineering, UGM Faculty of Engineering (FT UGM) has successfully developed an innovative biodegradable packaging plastic called “Kemurai.”

Kemurai is a breakthrough in polypropylene-based packaging plastic that degrades much faster than conventional plastic. 

“This research idea emerged in 2018, driven by the growing concern over the increasing amount of waste, especially plastic waste, which takes a long time to decompose,” said Dr. Yuni Kusumastuti, the team coordinator, on Wednesday (Aug. 28) at UGM’s Chemical Engineering Laboratory.

To tackle the plastic waste problem, Dr. Kusumastuti, in collaboration with Dr. Moh. Fahrurrozi and Dr. Teguh Ariyanto, formulated plastic with components similar to conventional plastics but with an estimated degradation time twice as fast as regular plastic. 

The idea involved adding an additive to the plastic’s base material. 

“We added pro-oxidant and bio-additives to the polypropylene base material, enabling the plastic to undergo structural changes under specific environmental conditions, breaking down long-chain molecules into simpler compounds that are easier to degrade,” Dr. Kusumastuti explained.

According to her, adding these additives does not compromise the strength of conventional plastics. Kemurai retains the same strength and durability as conventional plastics, with the added benefit of being more environmentally degradable.

However, Dr. Kusumastuti emphasized that the Kemurai product is still incomplete. The product must undergo several stages, such as testing its degradation time. They are also exploring other formulations for Kemurai by combining them with natural materials. 

“We also need to reduce production costs so that the price of Kemurai is not significantly different from conventional plastic, making it easier for the public to transition to Kemurai,” she said.

As the Kemurai process continues, Dr. Kusumastuti hopes that Kemurai will eventually collaborate with industry partners who share similar innovations, enabling the product to be marketed and used widely. 

“This will accelerate the commercialization of modified polypropylene-based packaging plastic that degrades faster than conventional plastic, ultimately benefiting our environment,” she concluded.

It is worth noting that the research on this biodegradable plastic product received funding through the Matching Fund Kedai Reka from participants of the 2023 Program Dana Padanan (PDP) by the Ministry of Education, which has been curated. 

The research has also collaborated with PT Pertamina’s Research & Technology Innovation (RTI) division.

Author: Lazuardi

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Photographer: Firsto

Artikel UGM Researchers Develop Biodegradable Packaging Plastic pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

A total of 10,678 new UGM students, or Gamada, were deployed around the UGM campus area, specifically in Sinduadi, Caturtunggal, Condongcatur (Sleman Regency), and Terban and Klitren (Yogyakarta City). The activity took place from Aug. 5 to 10, 2024.

The 2024 Action Plan aims to contribute to environmental issues, particularly waste emergency concerns. The new students are expected to become initiators and pioneers through tangible actions in their surrounding environment, which is also an effort to implement UGM’s core values.

Dr. Arie Sujito, UGM Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, stated that the Action Plan activity will continue to be developed as part of the learning process inside and outside the classroom. 

Before starting their lectures, students are trained to build sensitivity to their surroundings as part of their learning experience. 

“The key is that students will be able to initiate community-based projects and later develop them in various arenas, making the Action Plan a crucial component in forming learning networks and community interactions,” Dr. Arie Sujito said on Friday (Aug. 9).

The Action Plan activities were carried out in groups according to the class clusters formed during PIONIR Gadjah Mada 2024. Two hundred one class clusters were collaborating with the community. 

Although new to the UGM environment, Gamada confidently proposed various creative and innovative ideas that were expected to impact the surrounding community. Various environmental awareness activities were conducted, such as waste sorting and management and the utilization of waste for the community.

One of the Gamada participants, Naufal Daffa Allegra from Cluster Herman Yohanes 6, expressed enthusiasm and hopes for the activity. He said participating in the Action Plan allowed him to implement what he learned during PIONIR Gadjah Mada 2024 in the community. 

“I hope what we are doing can impact the community, especially regarding waste sorting education,” he said.

With the PIONIR Gadjah Mada 2024 Action Plan project, UGM aims to produce a generation of youth who excel academically and possess high social responsibility and environmental awareness. This pre-lecture activity is expected to inspire various parties and create a broader impact.

Author: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel After PIONIR, 10,678 New UGM Students Contribute to Community Environmental Projects pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Organized by the Indonesian Talent Organizer (BPTI) and the National Achievement Center (Puspresnas), the UGM team won second place in the Statistic Infographic Competition. 

The team included Mahardi Nalendra Syafa, Fabima Fadhlin Minallah Zidta, and Hanna Marie, all students of the Statistics program at the UGM Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA UGM), class of 2022.

Mahardi Syafa explained that their infographic design featured statistics on access to and quality of clean water in Indonesia. The topic was chosen due to Indonesia’s potential for abundant water resources. Yet, it is the third worst country in Southeast Asia for water crises. 

“We proposed a Smart Water Management System based on Big Data,” Syafa said on Tuesday (Aug. 6).

The infographic system includes a water separator, water cleaning, asset management, reservoir, pumping station, and risk management.

Fabima Zidta noted the difficulty in reaching the final stage, having passed through internal university selection to compete nationally. In the preliminary round, their team was one of 12 selected for the finals in Bandung, held from Jul. 29 to Aug. 2. 

“Besides competing, we participated in a seminar on Big Data, workshops, and presentations on our infographic,” Zidta added.

In the same competition, another UGM team consisting of Saprina Saputri, Gian Luky Saputra, and Rahma Nur Annisa secured third place in the Statistic Essay Competition. They are also students of the Statistics program at FMIPA UGM, class of 2021 and 2022.

Saprina Saputri’s essay focused on a prototype application named SkinCheck. This app uses Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) algorithms combined with transfer learning methods to detect skin cancer symptoms and distinguish them from common skin diseases.

Saputri chose this topic due to the high incidence of skin cancer in Indonesia. Despite being one of the most dangerous cancers, public awareness remains low. 

“Through SkinCheck, we hope people can perform early detection and seek medical attention promptly,” Saputri said.

This team competed against 486 teams in the preliminary round to advance to the finals at Telkom University, with only 12 teams making it to the national finals.

Rahma Annisa expressed pride and joy in achieving third place nationally, which motivated her to participate in future competitions. “I look forward to participating in more contests,” she concluded.

Author: Tiefani

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel UGM Students Win Awards at Statistika Ria and Satria Data 2024 pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This recognition comes from their initiative in realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the Nandur Tuk Banyu or “Planting Water Springs” program since 2018.

Rosita Wibawa, representing Kinarya Anak Bangsa, explained that the Nandur Tuk Banyu program focuses on water conservation by educating local communities about preserving water resources. 

Additionally, it promotes sustainable water use practices. It involves the community in water preservation through spring maintenance campaigns, planting water-retaining trees, and managing rainwater.

Kinarya Anak Bangsa received UN recognition for the Nandur Tuk Banyu program at the Water Forum Conference 2023 in New York, USA. Wibawa shared her experiences with international delegates and garnered support for strengthening sustainable water management actions.

“Despite Indonesia’s abundant water resources, population growth, industrialization, and climate change have led to a decline in water resources and water scarcity. Therefore, we focus on water conservation and safe drinking water,” said Wibawa.

The UN’s recognition of Kinarya Anak Bangsa aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of clean water and sanitation for all. Additionally, this program supports SDG 9 related to innovation and water infrastructure. 

The Nandur Tuk Banyu program created by Kinarya Anak Bangsa can significantly benefit the sustainability of the Indonesian community.

Artikel UGM Alumna Initiates Kinarya Anak Bangsa as UN Special Consultative Member to Support Sustainable Water Management pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The village is located at the mouth of the Mahakam River, where most residents work as fishermen and aquaculture farmers. In addition to installing rainwater harvesting systems, the KKN team set up household-scale independent solar power systems in Tani Baru Village.

In a statement to the press on Monday (Jul. 22), Rama Banin Maula, a member of the UGM KKN-PPM team, explained that the rainwater harvesting technology is expected to meet the clean water needs and electricity supply for the residents of two out of three villages in the Mahakam delta. 

“We hope this technology will help meet the clean water needs,” he said.

Maula mentioned that reaching the location takes a one-hour land journey from Samarinda to Anggana District, followed by a 3-4 hour boat ride from the Mariam River port to Muara Pantuan and Tani Baru. 

“Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the local community and village officials,” he explained.

In Muara Pantuan, almost every house has a water tank and uses rainwater for daily activities. However, rainwater collected directly into tanks without filtration tends to be dirty and mixed with sand and rust. 

The Gama Rain Filter system will purify this rainwater into clean raw water that can be used directly for daily needs.

After conducting surveys and coordinating with the local community, Maula said the 2024 UGM Petualangan Mahakam team chose the Muara Pantuan Village Office as the rainwater harvesting system installation site. 

“We considered a location accessible to all village residents, hence the choice of the village office,” he said.

Muara Pantuan Village Head Edi welcomed the arrival of the UGM KKN-PPM students, who had been deployed in 2023. He hopes this new visit will boost the local economy and provide education to help the village develop its potential. 

“We welcome the UGM students to Muara Pantuan with their program, hoping it will improve the local economy,” he said.

Gede Agung Krisna Ambara, Head of the Petualangan Mahakam, explained that installing the Gama Rain Filter technology is expected to serve as an example of how rainwater can be used to meet water needs when equipped with filtration systems.

In addition to installing rainwater harvesting technology, Ambara said the UGM team also educated the community on properly using and maintaining this technology. Installing the rainwater harvesting systems in Muara Pantuan is expected to help residents access clean water easily and affordably. 

“This technology can also improve the quality of life and help protect the environment,” he added.

Fauzul Idhi, Head of the East Kalimantan Kagama Regional Board, welcomed the initiative of the UGM KKN-PPM students in addressing the clean water crisis in the coastal areas of East Kalimantan. 

“Through collaboration and mutual assistance, the KKN students have created a better future for the community and environment in Muara Pantuan,” he said.

Author: Gusti Grehenson

Artikel Addressing Clean Water Crisis in Muara Pantuan Coastal Village: UGM KKN Students Install Rainwater Harvesting Technology pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.