Dr. Ali Awaludin, the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, and Cooperation of the UGM Faculty of Engineering, led a two-day visit to the new capital, Nusantara, in East Kalimantan from Feb. 19-20, 2024.
Comprising 15 lecturers from various departments within the Faculty of Engineering, the visit aimed to delve into the burgeoning opportunities for collaboration and support in the Nusantara development.
Welcomed by Cakra Nagara, the Director General of Cipta Karya, and officials from the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, the team engaged in insightful discussions prior to their site visit.
“This presents an invaluable opportunity for us to showcase the strides made in Nusantara infrastructure development,” remarked Cakra Nagara.
Dr. Ali Awaludin highlighted the diverse expertise of the visiting lecturers, ranging from sustainable building and infrastructure to hazard risk mitigation.
“We anticipate gaining a comprehensive overview to spark meaningful discussions among our colleagues back on campus,” the vice dean emphasized.
The meeting featured a comprehensive presentation by the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, elucidating the holistic development vision for Nusantara.
Concepts such as Nusantara Green and Smart Road Systems, green and smart infrastructure, and water resource management were thoroughly explored, aligning with the research interests of the UGM Faculty of Engineering team.
Professor Alva Edy Tontowi, a UGM Faculty of Engineering Research Team member, underscored universities’ potential contributions to Nusantara development, including developing algorithm programs and prioritizing equipment reliability and maintenance aspects.
Throughout their visit, the UGM team toured various Nusantara development sites, accompanied by Dr. Danis Sumadilaga, the Head of the Nusantara Development Task Force.
Detailed explanations were provided at each site, encompassing toll road construction areas, wastewater treatment plant installations, solar power plants, national axis roads, and infrastructure for ministerial housing.
Vice Dean Awaludin commended the planning and execution of Nusantara development activities and expressed enthusiasm for potential research collaborations.
“As engineering lecturers, it is incumbent upon us to offer support and expertise to address implementation challenges and technological advancements,” he affirmed.
Author: UGM Faculty of Engineering
Editor: Agung Nugroho