The Semar Racing Kart Team from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) clinched victory in the Electric Go-Kart Design Competition for universities, PLN ICE (Innovation and Competition in Electricity), on Nov. 7 at the Sentul International Circuit in Bogor, West Java.
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