The prestigious Chem-E-Car Competition, organized by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), concluded on Oct. 25–28 at the San Diego Convention Center, California, United States.
This annual event invites students from around the world to design and build prototype cars powered by chemical energy sources. The cars are designed to operate safely and stop at a specific distance.
At this event, Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Reactics Chem-E-Car team secured 7th place globally and became the second-highest-ranked team in Asia, outperforming 51 other competitors worldwide.
The team leader, Ikhlasul Amal Abda’i (Department of Computer Science and Electronics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences/FMIPA UGM), shared that the Reactics Chem-E-Car team conducted extensive research and trials from March to October 2024 to prepare for the competition.
“This competition was our first opportunity to directly compete with top universities globally. With thorough preparation, we were confident from the start that we could give our best effort and compete on a global scale,” Abda’i stated in an online interview on Tuesday (Nov. 12).
Four other members of the team were Isaac Varado, Muhammad Alvin Sofyan, Oktavianus Stevian Angelino (Department of Chemical Engineering), and Muhammad Manaf Romli (Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering).
The team was supported by a manager, Muhammad Andriano Hasnam (Department of Nuclear Engineering and Physics), who played a key role in assisting the team in designing an environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, chemistry-based vehicle.
Hasnam noted that despite facing external challenges distinct from Indonesia, such as time zones, temperature, and other constraints, the team delivered an outstanding performance.
“They adapted very well, both physically and mentally, allowing them to perform optimally and cohesively at every stage of the competition,” Hasnam explained in an online interview on Tuesday (Nov. 12).
The Reactics Chem-E-Car team has been competing in both national and international competitions since its establishment in 2011.
The team undergoes annual member rotations to allow other students to gain competition experience.
The team focuses on creating precise and efficient prototype cars powered by chemical reactions. The vehicles are designed to be simple yet durable enough to carry heavy loads.
The team’s success was also attributed to the support of its faculty advisors: Dr. Budhijanto, Addin Suwastono, Mokhammad Fajar Pradipta, and Dr. Robertus Dimas Dhewangga Putra.
Hasnam also expressed gratitude to Tekagama (Gadjah Mada Chemical Engineering Alumni) for sponsoring and funding the team’s participation in the United States.
“This victory is a valuable experience and a significant step forward for the Reactics Chem-E-Car team to strengthen our commitment to delivering sustainable renewable energy innovations,” Hasnam concluded.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photo: Reactics Chem-E-Car UGM