The Reactics Chem-E-Car team from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has once again achieved an outstanding accomplishment on the international stage.
The UGM Reactics’s Narantaka team secured first place in the Chem-E-Car Race and third place for Best Poster in a competition hosted by the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, at Taylor’s University, Selangor, Malaysia.
This success was achieved after competing against 32 teams from various universities worldwide, making it a proud moment for Universitas Gadjah Mada and Indonesia.
The UGM team, led by Bintang Ramadhan from the Department of Chemical Engineering, comprised four members: Gregorius Faustino Hener and Akmal Argiyanto Pratama from the Department of Chemical Engineering, Rafa Haidar Wicaksana from the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, and Ariyo Favian Tamim from the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering.
Manager Mikael Kevin Christian Nugroho supported the Department of Chemical Engineering team, who assisted in designing and developing an eco-friendly car based on chemical reactions with high energy efficiency.
As the team captain, Bintang Ramadhan shared that the Narantaka team began preparing for the competition approximately one month in advance, from October to November 2024.
The preparation involved research, car design, data collection, and routine trials to achieve optimal results on competition day.
Despite the limited preparation time, the team delivered an excellent performance, bringing pride to Universitas Gadjah Mada and Indonesia.
“This victory is the result of hard work, dedication, and the spirit of all team members. We are proud to showcase the collaboration between chemical and mechanical engineering through our car. This competition tested our technical skills and honed our teamwork and problem-solving abilities. We are grateful to everyone who supported our journey. This victory is not the end but the beginning of future innovations in eco-friendly cars,” said Ramadhan on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at the UGM Campus.
The Chem-E-Car competition involved several key stages for participating teams, including evaluating the car’s concept and safety aspects, presenting a poster, and competing in the race.
Interestingly, the race segment of the IEM competition required teams to develop a car capable of completing two tasks: pushing a ball to knock down bowling pins and pushing a ball into a goal. In addition to completing these tasks, the car’s distance accuracy to the finish line was also assessed.
The team’s car achieved a perfect score for the goal task with high distance accuracy.
“We are proud that the UGM Reactics Chem-E-Car team developed a car with an innovative concept, accurately utilizing and calculating chemical reactions, and confidently performed in front of the judges,” said Mikael Kevin Christian Nugroho.
However, challenges extended beyond technical aspects.
Ariyo Favian added, “We faced external challenges such as time zone differences, weather, language, cultural differences, and other limitations. Physical and mental adaptation was crucial to performing at our best.”
This valuable opportunity was made possible thanks to the support of the entire Reactics Chem-E-Car UGM team and all involved parties.
Special thanks were also extended to the Reactics faculty advisors, including Dr. Budhijanto, Addin Suwastono, Mokhammad Fajar Pradipta, and Dr. Robertus Dimas Dhewangga Putra.
Appreciation was also given to the Reactics Chem-E-Car UGM sponsors and donors, including TEKAGAMA (Chemical Engineering Alumni of Gadjah Mada), Pertamina International Refinery, PT PLN Puslitbang, Pupuk Sriwidjaja Palembang, Almaz Fried Chicken, and PT Jasamarga.
This achievement is a stepping stone and a foundation for the Reactics team to continue innovating, achieving extraordinary milestones, and excelling in future competitions on both national and international levels.
Author: Rahma Khoirunnisa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna Nurseisa Azrien