The rapid flow of imported goods from China with the China – ASEAN Free Trade Area from 2010 put into force caused the competitiveness of Indonesian industry to decrease. One of the efforts that should be made for Indonesian industry to survive and grow is research-based industry innovation.
In an effort to develop the potential of university and industry in the form of research cooperation to encourage the improvement of industrial competitiveness, Research and Community Service of Universitas Gadjah Mada (LPPM UGM) and Institute for Research and Innovation Center for Community Service-President University (LRPM-PU) hold a Mini Expo of UGM Research’s Results in the auditorium of the President University, Jababeka, on Thursday, November 4, 2010. This event is planned to be attended by approximately 60 industry representatives who are located in Jababeka-Cikarang Industrial Estate. “Research cooperation between universities and industrial that was initiated is not only beneficial to both instituions, but the Indonesian society generally," said LPPM UGM Chairman, Prof. Dr-Techn. Ir. Danang Parikesit, M.Sc., at UGM on Wednesday (3/11). Danang added that the research collaboration between UGM and the industry is intended to encourage the improvement of industrial competitiveness through the application of science and appropriate technology in Indonesia.
In the Mini Expo, LPPM UGM displays the results of research in the field of food, automotive, chemical, and electronics. Prof. Dr. Ir. Sri Raharjo, M.Sc and Prof. Dr. Ir. Endang Sutriswati Rahayu, M.S., expert on agricultural technology, displayed the results of her research on micro-emulsion technology applications in the field of food, while Prof. Dr. Mudasir M. Eng and Prof. Dr. Triyono, S.U., chemical experts, explored the role of zeolite minerals which are abundant in Indonesia as an adsorbent, catalyst and buffer fertilizer.
In the automotive sector, the existing problems in the 2-stroke engine motorcycles are solved by Ir. Purnomo, M.S.M.E., Ph.D. and Dr.Eng. Tri Agung Rohmat, B. Eng., M. Eng., who conducted research in modification of exhaust emission systems and the use of ethanol as a substitute for gasoline. Furthermore, in the electronics sector, the results of research on home controlling systems utilizing the latest technology on information and telecommunications were displayed by Ir. Sujoko Sumaryono, M.T. and Dr. Eng. Kuwat Triyana, M.Sc.
Other activities are also conducted by visiting a number of companies in Jababeka Industrial Estate, among others, PT Trimitra Chitrahasta (automotive), PT Sumber Pangan Jaya (food), PT Arbe Chemindo (chemistry), and PT Mitsuyoshi Manufacturing Indonesia (electronics). "The visit of UGM researchers and PU to a number of industries are intended to explore more closely the needs and problems faced by industry practitioners so that they are able to design a program of cooperative research that benefit both," he said.
Dana said the Mini Expo held in Jababeka Industrial Estate is a form of cooperation between the university, which in this case represented by the UGM and PU, and the industry, represented by PT Jababeka Tbk. as manager of Jababeka industrial estate in Cikarang. It is expected that such activities will be regularly held every year in order that cooperative research between universities and industry can progress and give a positive result to enhance industrial competitiveness in Indonesia.
The Mini Expo was attended by Senior Vice Rector for Education, Research, and Community Service UGM, Prof. Dr. Retno S. Sudibyo, M.Sc., Apt., Prof. Dr-Techn. Ir. Danang Parikesit, M.Sc., Head of Industrial Development and Services LPPM UGM, Yusril Yusuf, S.Si., M.Si., M. Eng., D. Eng. From the President University, there were also the Rector, Prof. Dr. Ermaya Suradinata, S.H, M.H, MS, Vice Rector for Research Division, External Cooperation and Public Relations, Dr. Muhammad A. S. Hikam. Meanwhile, Director of PT Jababeka Tbk., Setia Kusuma, S.E, was also attending.