KLATEN – Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is ready to establish cooperation in the development of ESEMKA car created by students of SMKN 1 Trucuk in Klaten, Central Java. Appreciation and cooperation have been initiated during the visit of UGM Vice-Rector for Alumni and Business Development, Prof. Ir. Atyanto Dharoko, M. Phil., Ph.D., along with a team from Faculty of Engineering, KAGAMA and BNI, to Klaten Local Government Regency and to Kiat ESEMKA workshop.
UGM team was met directly by Regent of Klaten, Sunarno, in his office. In front of the Regent, the Vice Rector explained UGM appreciation to students of SMKN 1 Trucuk who have developed ESEMKA car. Atyanto confirmed that UGM is ready to provide support to enhance the development of this car.
"UGM is also ready to provide support, such as the modeling technique for this ESEMKA car," Atyanto Dharoko said, Tuesday (10/1).
The similar opinion was said by Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Ir. Tumiran, M. Eng., Ph.D. He said that a team from UGM Faculty of Engineering is ready to give assistance to develop ESEMKA. The support includes feasibility standard to engine durability. Tumiran is optimistic that ESEMKA development in Klaten will encourage the growth and development of other industries in Klaten and surrounding areas.
Chairman of KAGAMA Central Board, Prof. Dr. Ir. Sunjoto, DIP., HE., DEA., also hoped that ESEMKA car should continue to be developed and improved. Sunjoto said if ESEMKA car could become the national car through KAGAMA network, it would be able to expand.
Responding to these opinions, the Regent Sunarno, accompanied by the Principal SMKN 1 Trucuk, Wardani Sugiyanto, acknowledged that the car still has many downsides. With the support from many groups, especially universities, it is expected that ESEMKA would soon be produced in large quantities. Sunarno said that in the near future there will be a study visit to China in the manufacture of automobile engine blocks, etc.
"What we want is that it can be rapidly produced, appropriately used and that there are real benefits for the community," Sunarno said.
After the meeting, UGM entourage proceeded to Kiat Motor workshop where the team met with H Sukiyat, owner of Kiat Motor workshop, who is also originator of Kiat Esemka car, On the sidelines of the visit, lecturer of Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Dr. Jayan Sentanuhady said that the work done by students SMKN 1 Trucuk is more on body assembling industry, combining multiple components of different brands into one vehicle.
According to Jayan, it is reverse engineering which is commonly used for emerging industries. It is highly unlikely that a new born industry has to design or create thousands of parts.
"Obviously, there is no automotive industry which is initially not assisted by the government. Not only the engineering process needs assistance, but also the marketing, the government has also to conduct market protection. If necessary, all vehicles for Subdistrict Heads should be Esemka car for the initial stage," said Jayan from UGM SEMAR team.
In Jayan’s opinion, the role of government and university becomes very important for assistance ranging from process design, analysis and structural strength, production, standard testing, all should be done by government. By buying ESEMKA product, ESEMKA team will have enough money to develop self-made components.
Asked about the SEMAR team’s ability to assist ESEMKA to make the design process through standardization, Jayan stated the possible assistance for design, analysis of the power and key components test, such as chassis for the development of national automotive world.