The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FMIPA UGM) has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aspen Technology to collaborate in the field of subsurface technology. The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday, Jun. 4, 2025, at the Marriott Hotel, Yogyakarta.
The agreement was signed by the Dean of FMIPA UGM, Professor Kuwat Triyana, Head of the Geophysics Study Program, Dr. Sudarmaji, and Aspen Technology’s Director of Field Sales, Narendran Ramakrishna.
This collaboration includes the donation of licenses for two key software tools, Aspen Echos® and Aspen Geolog®, valued at over USD 10 million.
UGM will utilize these licenses for the next year.
A total of 150 combined licenses were granted to support academic learning and research, strengthening UGM’s position as a university responsive to advances in industrial technology.
“This collaboration reinforces the link and match between higher education institutions and the industrial world,” said Dean Triyana.
Aspen Echos® is used for advanced seismic data processing and imaging, while Aspen Geolog® supports petrophysical analysis and comprehensive formation evaluation, both vital technologies in the global upstream oil and gas industry.
Dean Triyana explained that the partnership stems from a long-standing relationship between the FMIPA UGM Geophysics Program and the energy industry network, particularly in the oil and gas exploration and production sector.
Through a triple helix approach involving academia, industry, and government, this partnership highlights UGM’s role in supporting digital transformation and strengthening Indonesia’s human resources in the energy sector.
Dean Triyana added that this support will also broaden opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration within FMIPA UGM, particularly in the fields of geosciences and energy.
“This collaboration not only provides access to world-class technology for the academic community but also aligns with UGM’s strategic agenda to translate research into practical impact and strengthen higher education capabilities in advancing national technological self-reliance,” he stated.
As a national university with a mission rooted in public service, independence, and sustainability, UGM continues to build a higher education ecosystem that meets societal needs and global challenges.
Collaborations with industrial partners, such as Aspen Technology, enable UGM to deliver tangible, science-based solutions in the public interest while bolstering Indonesia’s technological sovereignty.
“By participating directly in industrial research and development, we hope the outcomes will be broadly beneficial to the community,” emphasized Professor Kuwat.
In a separate session, Narendran Ramakrishna expressed appreciation for UGM’s consistent efforts in building trust and collaborative networks with industry partners through research and development.
He noted that this MoU is part of the AspenTech Subsurface Science & Engineering Tech Summit 2025, a two-day event in Yogyakarta.
Furthermore, this brings together industry professionals, academics, and technology experts to share knowledge on the latest innovations in subsurface science, including seismic inversion, formation evaluation, geomechanical solutions, and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).
“Long-term partnerships like this demonstrate Aspen Technology’s commitment to supporting education and innovation ecosystems in Indonesia,” he said.
The MoU signing not only signifies a formal agreement but also opens tangible opportunities for technology transfer and immediate academic capacity-building.
Through the integration of industrial-grade software in classrooms, UGM accelerates knowledge transfer, prepares graduates for real-world challenges in the energy sector, and fosters multi-stakeholder research collaborations.
This strategic collaboration exemplifies a global-local alliance that accelerates the adoption of advanced technologies, builds national human capital, and strengthens an inclusive and sustainable innovation ecosystem.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna