UGM Biology lecturer Dr. Ganies Riza Aristya is researching the fungus Rhodotorula glutinis, commonly known as red yeast, as an alternative energy source. 

This fungus can be found in various environments and isolated from air, soil, grass, lakes, seas, food, fruits, human skin, and human waste. 

This research aims to optimize the use of microorganisms for bioenergy production as a renewable energy source to replace fossil fuels.

Dr. Aristya mentioned the potential of red yeast as an alternative energy source. Red yeast has great potential due to its ability to accumulate and produce large amounts of lipids. 

“In some cases, lipid accumulation in R. glutinis can reach 72.4%, making it a potential lipid producer for energy sources,” she told reporters on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025.

Its ability to produce large amounts of lipids comes from a biosynthetic pathway that allows this microorganism to convert various carbon sources into high-value compounds, including lipids or other biopolymers. 

The development of lipid products can go beyond biofuels to biopolymer products such as bioplastic polymers like polyhydroxybutyrate.

“Optimizing the synthesis of essential compounds in this red yeast can be done through process, genetic, or metabolic engineering,” he explained.

Dr. Aristya said the selection of red yeast or R. glutinis as research material is based on its ability to accumulate high levels of lipids, particularly triacylglycerol (TAG), which can be converted into energy in the form of biofuel. 

“R. glutinis was also chosen because of its ability to grow on various substrates,” he said.

Not stopping there, red yeast’s ability to produce lipids over 15% of its dry cell weight, it can also metabolize various compounds used as carbon sources, such as monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides, organic acids, glycerol, raw materials, industrial by-products, and wastewater.

It is important to note that this fungus produces and accumulates lipids in large amounts when nitrogen is limited but carbon is sufficient. 

Under such conditions, the yeast redirects its metabolism to lipid biosynthesis as an energy reserve in the form of Triacylglycerol (TAG).

The resulting lipids can be extracted and converted into biodiesel as an energy source. 

“The lipids obtained from the yeast cells will be converted into biodiesel through transesterification, reacting TAG with methanol to produce biodiesel as fatty acid methyl ester (FAME). The biodiesel obtained can be used as energy,” she said.

Research on the genetic engineering of this microorganism has been ongoing for eight years. 

For this research, Dr. Aristya and her team received a research grant from the Indonesia Toray Science Foundation (ITSF) under the Science and Technology Research Grant (STRG) category. 

With her work titled ‘Yeast Bioengineering for Sustainable Lipid-Based Energy Production from Rhodotorula glutinis,’ Dr. Aristya was one of 18 recipients of the STRG-ITSF award in 2025 on Jan. 30 in Jakarta.

Author: Jelita Agustine  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna Nurseisa Azrien

Artikel UGM Lecturer Studies Potential of Red Yeast for Alternative Energy Source pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Shell Eco-Marathon is a prestigious competition that showcases energy-efficient vehicles that push the boundaries of innovation. 

This year marks a new chapter after five consecutive years of the competition being held in Indonesia, specifically at the Mandalika Circuit in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

Hans Tobias Sihombing, the General Manager of Semar UGM, stated that the Semar UGM team is presenting two of its best vehicles to compete with energy-efficient innovations from numerous international student teams. 

These vehicles are the Semar Urban Hydroz 1.2, powered by hydrogen fuel, and the Semar Proto 4.0, which uses electricity as its primary energy source.

“We aim to bring a grand vision to promote sustainability innovation through this international competition,” Sihombing said in a statement to reporters on Wednesday (Jan. 15).

Sihombing noted that Semar UGM achieved various outstanding accomplishments in previous competitions, such as first place in the Urban Hydrogen Fuel Category, first place in the Prototype Electric Category with a record of 938 km/kWh, first place in the Off-track Data and Telemetry Category, and third place in the Regional Championship. 

“Semar UGM’s achievements in previous years demonstrate the team’s dominance and competence as one of the best in the field of energy-efficient vehicles,” he explained.

Semar UGM’s path to victory was not easy. Great sacrifices had to be made, such as missing final exams, which they had to retake after the competition. 

The team faced tremendous pressure during the competition due to a critical issue. The Semar Proto 4.0 failed the technical inspection until the second day, leaving no opportunity for Semar Proto to practice on the track. 

However, through intense discussions, collaboration, and unwavering determination, Semar Proto 4.0 ultimately claimed 1st place in its category. 

“This experience was a nerve-wracking moment that demonstrated the team’s resilience, dedication, and determination to achieve the best and emerge as champions,” he recalled.

Semar UGM is determined to continue this spirit of innovation as it brings its environmentally friendly vehicle designs closer to implementation on the road. The journey toward this achievement is not done alone. 

Semar UGM is proud to receive support from various partners committed to sustainability, such as PT Petrokimia Gresik, Pos Properti Indonesia, Jericho, PLN, Toyota Astra Motor, Citra Jelajah Informatika, Wefreight, Inalum, Pebsteel, Dharma Precision Parts, and Air Liquide. 

Semar UGM is also continuously open to collaborations with new partners who share the same vision: to create beneficial and sustainable innovations and creations for the world.

Author: Lazuardi

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photo: Semar UGM

Artikel Semar UGM Ready to Compete in 2025 Shell Eco-Marathon in Qatar pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

UGM’s team entered their flagship go-kart, winning 1st place in the Design category and 2nd place in the Class A Electric Go-Kart Race. They outperformed 52 teams from universities across Indonesia.

The UGM team, consisting of Muhammad Idham Novanto (Mechanical Engineering 2020), Muhammad Zuhdi (Mechanical Engineering 2022), Muhammad Raihan Tsani (Mechanical Engineering 2022), Dwi Fikri Mustakim (Mechanical Engineering 2021), Arvian Naufal Zufar (Mechanical Engineering 2020), and Hannan Nur Muhammad (Electrical Engineering 2021), had prepared extensively well before the competition announcement.

Muhammad Zuhdi highlighted that their go-kart had several advantages that justified their win. In the design category, the excellent configuration of mechanical and electrical components demonstrated through actual testing was crucial for securing 1st place in Design. 

The go-kart’s optimal performance, combined with its skilled driver, led it to second place on the podium in Class A. 

“One notable comment from the judges was that UGM’s team was the only one with optimal performance that met electrical constraints during the Qualifying Time Trial (QTT),” Zuhdi recalled on Wednesday (Nov. 13).

Zuhdi also acknowledged the guidance of their advisor, Dr. Jayan Sentanuhady, a lecturer from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Head of the Energy Conversion Laboratory. Dr. Sentanuhady played a vital role from the planning stage to the go-kart construction. 

“We implemented his various suggestions throughout the competition. He also facilitated us with the Innovation Center for Automotive Laboratory when campus support was limited,” he said.

Despite their victory, Zuhdi admitted to feeling anxious as the competition began. Yet, amid the challenges faced during the pre-event, the Semar Racing Kart Team remained enthusiastic and confident in their strategy for the PLN ICE 2024 competition. 

“This competition is not only about winning; it’s about strategy, teamwork, and perseverance,” he shared.

PT PLN Persero, a state-owned company that contributes to developing Indonesia’s electric vehicle ecosystem, organized the competition. 

This inter-university electric go-kart design competition was part of the 79th National Electricity Day celebration and the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, PLN Peduli.

Author: Triya Andriyani  

Photos by: Semar UGM

Artikel UGM Students Win in PLN ICE 2024 Electric Go-Kart Competition pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This annual event invites students from around the world to design and build prototype cars powered by chemical energy sources. The cars are designed to operate safely and stop at a specific distance. 

At this event, Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Reactics Chem-E-Car team secured 7th place globally and became the second-highest-ranked team in Asia, outperforming 51 other competitors worldwide.

The team leader, Ikhlasul Amal Abda’i (Department of Computer Science and Electronics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences/FMIPA UGM), shared that the Reactics Chem-E-Car team conducted extensive research and trials from March to October 2024 to prepare for the competition. 

“This competition was our first opportunity to directly compete with top universities globally. With thorough preparation, we were confident from the start that we could give our best effort and compete on a global scale,” Abda’i stated in an online interview on Tuesday (Nov. 12).

Four other members of the team were Isaac Varado, Muhammad Alvin Sofyan, Oktavianus Stevian Angelino (Department of Chemical Engineering), and Muhammad Manaf Romli (Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering). 

The team was supported by a manager, Muhammad Andriano Hasnam (Department of Nuclear Engineering and Physics), who played a key role in assisting the team in designing an environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, chemistry-based vehicle.

Hasnam noted that despite facing external challenges distinct from Indonesia, such as time zones, temperature, and other constraints, the team delivered an outstanding performance. 

“They adapted very well, both physically and mentally, allowing them to perform optimally and cohesively at every stage of the competition,” Hasnam explained in an online interview on Tuesday (Nov. 12).

The Reactics Chem-E-Car team has been competing in both national and international competitions since its establishment in 2011. 

The team undergoes annual member rotations to allow other students to gain competition experience. 

The team focuses on creating precise and efficient prototype cars powered by chemical reactions. The vehicles are designed to be simple yet durable enough to carry heavy loads.

The team’s success was also attributed to the support of its faculty advisors: Dr. Budhijanto, Addin Suwastono, Mokhammad Fajar Pradipta, and Dr. Robertus Dimas Dhewangga Putra.

Hasnam also expressed gratitude to Tekagama (Gadjah Mada Chemical Engineering Alumni) for sponsoring and funding the team’s participation in the United States. 

“This victory is a valuable experience and a significant step forward for the Reactics Chem-E-Car team to strengthen our commitment to delivering sustainable renewable energy innovations,” Hasnam concluded.

Author: Triya Andriyani

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya 

Photo: Reactics Chem-E-Car UGM

Artikel UGM Students Achieve International Success at Chem-E-Car Competition in the United States pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

In order to reduce these emissions, current energy transition policies are expected to encourage greater utilization of New and Renewable Energy (EBT) while gradually reducing the use of fossil fuels.

Professor Tumiran, an energy expert and lecturer from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada (DTETI FT UGM), emphasized the importance of Indonesia’s preparedness for the energy transition. 

Professor Tumiran acknowledged that the government has already set a 23% renewable energy target in national policy. 

However, the greatest challenges lie within the industrial sector and the public’s economic ability to bear the costs of renewable energy. 

“Energy transition is not just about reducing fuel and LPG imports but also achieving national energy self-sufficiency, which will build energy resilience,” the professor stressed during a webinar titled Navigating Indonesia’s Energy Transition on Thursday (Nov. 7).

Professor Tumiran further highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to developing the renewable energy industry in Indonesia, considering the country’s vast potential in solar, wind, and geothermal energy. However, infrastructure and supportive policies are essential. 

“It’s not just about relying on regulations,” he stated.

He reminded us that an effective energy transition requires support from various stakeholders, including the government, industry, and academia, to create a sustainable renewable energy market and foster economic growth.

According to him, with a large domestic market potential, Indonesia is expected to leverage this energy transition to build a resilient and competitive national industry on the international stage while supporting sustainable development and preserving the environment for future generations.

Author: FT UGM/Rasya Swarnasta

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya 

Photo: Freepik

Artikel UGM Energy Expert Highlights Challenges in Indonesia’s Energy Transition pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Named “Antasena,” this turbine is designed for areas with low wind speeds and was developed by a research team consisting of Professor Indarto, Professor Deendarlianto, and Dr. Agung Bramantya.

Professor Deendarlianto highlighted that their wind turbine functions optimally even at low wind speeds, with a cut-in wind speed as low as 2.5 meters per second. This feature aims to assist Indonesia’s environmental efforts, as wind speed often poses challenges for wind power generation. 

“Antasena supports wind energy utilization as a source for wind power generation, specifically to aid carbon utilization in frontier, outermost, underdeveloped (3T) regions,” Professor Deendarlianto stated on Monday (Oct. 28).

He further explained that wind power plants are part of PT PLN (Persero) Group’s initiatives to increase the renewable energy mix, supporting the goal of achieving a 23% renewable energy target by 2025, as outlined in the 2021-2030 Electricity Supply Business Plan and the National Energy Master Plan.

Professor Deendarlianto emphasized that in some 3T regions, wind speeds remain relatively low, making it essential to have technology capable of harnessing low-speed wind energy. 

“The Antasena turbine innovation offers a potential solution to address this challenge,” he noted.

According to the professor, the wind power plants are essential for PLN to help supply electricity in 3T areas. Increasing electricity availability there requires advanced technological solutions. 

“Besides being applicable in 3T regions, PLN will fully support the design, prototyping, mass production, and installation to ensure the communities can directly use these turbines,” he said.

Professor Deendarlianto also explained that the Antasena turbine features a blade coefficient (Cp) of up to 55% and uses eco-friendly materials, such as composites with carbon filler derived from PLTU carbon waste. 

Each phase in the production of the Antasena Wind Turbine reflects the researchers’ commitment to a greener and better future for Indonesia. It offers a promising solution for remote areas that conventional energy sources cannot reach.

Author: Lintang  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Artikel Optimizing Renewable Energy, UGM Develops ‘Antasena’ Turbine for 3T Regions 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 government’s program focuses on reducing the use of fossil fuels and promoting the transition to low-carbon energy, one of which is geothermal energy. Unfortunately, its utilization is still at 11% of the total potential.

A geothermal energy expert from UGM’s Geological Engineering Department, Dr. Pri Utami, mentioned that the limited use of geothermal energy is due to the government’s need for more accurate data on Indonesia’s geothermal energy potential. 

Since geothermal potential is minimally visible on the surface, innovation in exploration technology is required. Dr. Utami, as she is familiarly known, provided several recommendations to the government to ensure the project runs safely and achieves its target. 

“There are two fundamental actions that need to be taken: improving the quality of exploration data and enhancing public understanding,” Dr. Utami said on Friday (Oct. 4).

She mentioned that Indonesia holds 40% of the world’s geothermal energy potential, which is 23,965.5 megawatts (MW). 

This potential is spread across Sumatra, Java, Bali, and Sulawesi, making geothermal energy a significant opportunity to meet national energy needs while reducing carbon emissions.

She further explained that there are three types of geothermal systems based on their energy content: high, medium, and low enthalpy systems. 

“High-enthalpy geothermal systems radiate heat to their surroundings. We can extract the heat from water and steam to generate electricity,” Dr. Utami explained.

Geothermal energy produces much lower carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and solid particles than other energy sources.

In addition, geothermal energy also has advantages in terms of sustainability. Geothermal heat that reaches the surface is carried by rainwater and follows the hydrological cycle. 

Naturally, the heat returns to the earth. Furthermore, the injection of fluids whose energy has been extracted is returned to the geothermal reservoir to maintain the heat and mass balance within the geothermal system. 

“These advantages make geothermal energy a stable renewable energy source,” she stated.

However, what is equally important in utilizing geothermal energy is raising public awareness of its potential. 

Every development process requires community readiness to engage in geothermal-based economic activities, for example, through synergy between the geothermal sector and agriculture and tourism.

The Ministry of Energy (ESDM) has announced plans to build three Geothermal Power Plants (PLTP) with a total capacity of 90 Megawatts (MW) by the end of this year. 

These projects will help meet the 23% renewable energy target in the energy mix (EBT) by 2025.

In addition to being used as a renewable energy source, geothermal energy can also be utilized for industrial heating processes, health therapy in geothermal hot springs, and even to help discover enzymes from microorganisms living in extreme geothermal conditions for use in the pharmaceutical industry. 

This extraordinary potential is expected to support national energy needs while also becoming the backbone of the economy, driving clean energy in the future.

Author: Tasya

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel UGM Geological Expert Highlights Indonesia’s Limited Geothermal Energy Utilization at 11% pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Moreover, fossil fuels are the largest contributors to carbon footprints and environmental pollution. 

In Indonesia, hydrogen energy research has not been widely developed, even though research and application of hydrogen energy have long been implemented in advanced countries like the United States and Europe.

Hydrogen researcher Professor Deendarlianto from the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FT UGM), stated that hydrogen could be used as a substitute for fossil fuels because it can generate immense energy without leaving a carbon footprint or environmental waste. 

“Hydrogen can replace fossil fuels in various sectors, such as transportation and power generation,” Professor Deendarlianto said during an interview at the Fluid Mechanics Laboratory at FT UGM Friday (Sep. 13).

Professor Deendarlianto, as he is commonly called, explained that the hydrogen research he is conducting with his team is a collaborative project funded by the government and several industries, such as PLN and Pertamina. 

Additionally, the project involves various universities from Indonesia and internationally, such as UI, ITS, NTU, and the University of Groningen from the Netherlands.

In this collaborative project, the main focus of the research is on green hydrogen production, a type of hydrogen produced through environmentally friendly methods. 

“We are also leading a research program related to hydrogen storage methods,” he said.

Although still in the research and development stage, Professor Deendarlianto noted that the research has already shown significant results. 

However, one of the biggest challenges he and his team face is related to hydrogen storage, ensuring that the stored hydrogen does not leak or escape. 

This is because if hydrogen comes into contact with oxygen, it can cause unwanted damage. Additionally, another issue of concern is the complex treatment process of hydrogen and the worry about whether the tools used can withstand the burden of hydrogen storage.

In his research on hydrogen storage methods, Professor Deendarlianto involves many PhD, Master’s, and Bachelor’s students. He also collaborates with students from other universities, such as Universitas Udayana, in the MBKM Research Program.

Despite the complicated research process, he added that if hydrogen research can be applied, it would significantly benefit everyday life. Hydrogen can be used in various sectors, not only in the energy sector but in many other fields. 

“Hydrogen can be applied in many sectors globally in the future, not only in energy but also in industry, transportation, and electricity,” he emphasized.

Professor Deendarlianto is continuing his research to find more affordable and accessible hydrogen-based methods. 

“The future focus is on fast, inexpensive, and high-capacity production,” he said.

Professor Deendarlianto hopes the government will continue to encourage and commit to supporting hydrogen energy development research in the country. Hydrogen has the potential to become a clean and renewable energy source that could be applied on a large scale.

Author: Hanif

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel UGM Researchers Develop Hydrogen as Future Energy Source pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This proposal was initiated with a focus group discussion (FGD) on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, at GDE Dieng, Wonosobo, Central Java, attended by representatives from the central government, local governments, tourism industry, geothermal industry, academics, and community leaders.

Dr. Pri Utami, UGM’s Geological Engineering lecturer and geothermal expert, stated that Dieng’s visitors can observe ongoing geological processes, particularly hydrothermal activity, which creates unique landscapes and forms renewable energy sources. 

“I believe it is important for geological science to transform legends about geothermal activity in Dieng into scientific explanations. This is a tribute to our ancestors who embedded environmental preservation values in Dieng long before geothermal science and technology developed,” said Dr. Utami in a statement to the press on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. 

Yudistian Yunis, President and Director of PT GDE (Persero), emphasized that multi-stakeholder collaboration is crucial for creating the ecosystem needed to achieve energy independence and environmentally conscious local economic activities, such as tourism and geothermal-based agriculture.

Herdian Ardi Febrianto, General Manager of PT GDE Dieng, mentioned that using geothermal energy for electricity generation is a unique advantage for the geopark element, as it serves as an educational tool for environmental preservation through clean and renewable energy use.

He noted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the geothermal industry.

With artificial intelligence technology, the younger generation must continue to master and develop knowledge. 

In managing natural resources, including geothermal energy, the human conscience weighs and determines actions in accordance with humanitarian values. 

“We invite UGM’s Geological Engineering students to research geothermal areas in Dieng that have not yet been fully developed,” he said.

Dr. Utami added that UGM’s Geological Engineering students also visited the Dieng Geothermal Work Area on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, to study the geology of the only geothermal field operating in Central Java. 

“Students also explored opportunities for improving the efficiency of geothermal energy use and the need for land-use planning in geothermal areas, which have also become tourist destinations and agricultural zones,” she said.

Author: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Lintang

Artikel UGM and PT Geo Dipa Energi Propose Dieng Plateau as a National Geopark pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.