Four students from the Faculty of Animal Science at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Animal Science UGM) participated in the Summer Training on Leather Technology held from Jun. 16 to 27, 2025, at the Faculty of Engineering, Department of Leather Engineering, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey.
The students were Imani Fathi Sakinah, Muhammad Azfa Ramadhan, and Muhammad Maulana Bima Sakti (from the undergraduate program), and Aura Zahwa Syaira. The training also included students from Hasanuddin University and the University of Mataram.
The training was officially opened by Professor Mete Mehmet Mutlu, Coordinator of the ELEGTEC Project at Ege University. In his opening remarks, he expressed appreciation for the active participation of Indonesian students and emphasized the importance of cross-border knowledge exchange to strengthen the global leather industry.
“I believe Indonesia holds tremendous potential in leather tanning, from natural resources and skilled labor to the creativity of its youth. Through this program, I hope participants return home equipped with knowledge, skills, and renewed enthusiasm to drive a more environmentally friendly, efficient, and technology-based leather tanning industry in Indonesia,” he stated.
The training provided both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, covering the entire leather tanning process, from pretanning and tanning to post-tanning and finishing. Participants were also introduced to innovative bio-based alternatives for environmentally friendly tanning, aligned with the training’s theme: sustainable and green leather technology.
To complement classroom learning, students visited a leather tannery and a slaughterhouse in the Izmir region, where they observed firsthand the production flow and efficiency of Turkey’s leather industry. This field experience provided valuable practical insights into the application of technology, time management, and hygiene in modern leather production.
Aura Zahwa Syaira, one of the participating UGM students, shared that the training significantly changed her perspective on the leather industry. While she had previously only learned about tanning in theory, this training allowed her to witness high-standard, efficient processes in person.
“We practiced each stage from soaking and tanning to finishing under strict and efficient supervision. Even at the slaughterhouse, processing six cows into carcasses took only about an hour, thanks to advanced technology. It was incredibly inspiring and offered me a new perspective to bring back to Indonesia,” said Syaira at Animal Science UGM on Tuesday (Jul. 8).
Syaira also emphasized that the program expanded her international network and fostered a spirit of global collaboration to build a greener, more innovative, and globally competitive leather tanning industry. As a follow-up to this training, ELEGTEC participants are scheduled to attend the next session in Athens, Greece, from Jun. 30 to Jul. 11, 2025.
This upcoming training will focus on the instrumental analysis of leather, wastewater treatment, and the importance of certification in the leather tanning industry, as well as key components of quality control and sustainability in modern leather processing.
These activities are part of ELEGTEC’s ongoing efforts to equip young Indonesians with the technical skills and global outlook necessary to strengthen a sustainable, technology-driven national leather industry.
Reporter: Animal Science UGM/Satria
Author: Agung Nugroho