USU’s Faculty of Engineering processes palm oil mill waste through pyrolysis technology

Indonesia holds one of the largest palm oil commodities in the world, occupying 12.76 million hectares with a sizable area of oil palm estate in the North Sumatra Province and producing 36.59 million tonnes of Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) in 2018. Effective waste management is crucial for the life cycle of the industry in addition to its environment. Processing 100 tonnes of FFB produces waste in the form of 5 tonnes of Oil Palm Shell (OPS), 22 tonnes of Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB), 14 tonnes of Oil Palm Fiber (OPF), and Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME). POME is a highly pollutive liquid waste and accounts for an estimated 60% of the processed FFB produced substantially nationally. The combined amount of pollutants calls for better waste management that can contribute to a circular economy, especially in oil palm estates.

A team of researchers at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara, led by Dr. Eng Taufiq Bin Nur, S.T., M.Eng.Sc., have come up with an optimal waste processing technology by using pyrolysis, which can also increase the commercial value of the waste by utilizing its EFB and sludge. Applying this technology supports the realization of food security by producing organic fertilizers and, therefore, new renewable energy derived from biomass.

Pyrolysis is a thermochemical decomposition of biomass into a range of valuable products either in the total absence of oxygen or with limited oxygen. The heat needed by the process is obtained through burning biomass in the form of unused wood and EFB. The process can produce biochar, liquid smoke (bio-oil), and syngas from biomass raw materials in one production by maintaining the working temperature of the reactor constant as needed up to 550°C. The pyrolysis process increases the calorific value of the waste compared to its raw state, rising to 36.5% in the case of EFB and coffee dregs or 65% in coconut shells. When applied to EFB raw materials, at the moment, the test results at the Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute in Medan show that the biochar also had the following composition: Nitrogen (0.82%), P2O5 (0.83%, total), K2O (11.57%), Organic C (35.24%), and 0.80% Organic N.

The research team sees multiple advantages in implementing this innovative smokeless pyrolysis system in oil palm estates. Firstly, it helps minimize the environmental impact of the waste because it is smokeless, and up to 250 kg of EFB can be processed further per 5 hours, producing biochar, bio-oil, and syngas, as shown in Figures 1 – 2. Biochar and bio-oil could be an alternative to organic fertilizer. Furthermore, flue gas from the combustion can be treated further to minimize CO2 emissions in the plantation area. The heat from the system can also dry the POME sludge, allowing easier processing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 1. Biomass Pyrolysis System.

 

This pyrolysis technology innovation from USU Faculty of Engineering researchers can help overcome the Palm Oil Mill (POM) waste problem while increasing the sale value. Their goal is to operate a start-up industry producing organic fertilizer while dealing with POM waste in North Sumatra, building a sustainable industry enriched with better waste management and promoting a circular economy by cooperating with the rural enterprise.

UNAIR students ranked top 3 in international event for livestock waste innovation

Universitas Airlangga ( UNAIR ) students have made another achievement. Aidatul Fitriyah, a student of English language and literature, and a veterinary student, Azhar Burhanuddin, won Top 3 in “The Social Entrepreneurship International Challenge, ” a collaborative event from Prokompas, Research Synergy Foundation, and Macquarie University Australia.

In an interview with UNAIR NEWS on Friday, January 6, 2023, Aidatul Fitriyah or Afriya said that the competition she participated in consisted of several stages. The first stage is the collection of innovation papers, followed by the ten finalists’ announcements and online presentations, until the final stage and the announcement.

Furthermore, Afriya revealed that in the competition, he initiated an innovation called FAMOS. The idea of ​​FAMOS departs from its concern for global warming, which is increasingly becoming a significant problem in the world.

FAMOS is the commercialization of methane gas from recycled livestock waste to become an alternative fuel with low carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Cow dung was chosen as the material because it is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gases, so the use of livestock waste is expected to overcome global warming and achieve the seventh point in the SDGs (sustainable development goals).

According to Afriya, making the Top 3 was not an easy thing. She experienced challenges because the writing time was quite short. On the other hand, she also has to prepare a video presentation and a poster.

“It took quite a while to work on it, while we were also required to make a video presentation and an essay explaining poster,” said Afriya.

However, she admitted that she was quite satisfied with the results. Representing the team, she hopes their innovation can be realized with the collaboration of various parties, including the government and investors. Thus, the idea that is carried out can benefit the public.

“Hopefully, the innovations carried out can benefit various groups of people and obtain support from both the government and investors so they can be realized,” she said.

UNAIR Faculty of Law lecturer obtains grant from Pulitzer Center

One of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) academics has made another achievement. A lecturer of Faculty of Law Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), Jani Purnawanty,  has obtained 2022 Southeast Asia Journalist-Scientist Hub Impact Seed Funding (ISF) Grant from the Pulitzer Center.

Impact Seed Funding (ISF) is the inaugural program organized by the Pulitzer Center that aims to disseminate journalism works by Rainforest Investigations Network and Rainforest Journalism Fund through synergy between journalists and academics.

Designing MOOC scheme for Education on Forest Issues 

Jani proposed a project entitled Education on Community Involvement in Forest Issues using the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). The project will be realized through the creation of popular themed MOOCs,’ Carbon Trading and Forest Conservation’ and ‘Indigenous Peoples and Forest Conservation’.

“UNAIR, through the Directorate of Education Innovation and Development (DIPP), has long developed MOOCs, both subject-based MOOCs offered in study programs or popular theme-based MOOCs for the general public who are interested in studying an issue independently,” said Jani.

“Environmental issues such as forest conservation, carbon trading, and indigenous peoples living in forest areas are issues that are important for many people to understand. Broader public education can be carried out effectively through the MOOC scheme, which is designed to enrich and complement self-learning materials for the community,” she added.

Then, she said, the idea came up as a form of support for the Government of Indonesia, which had stated its commitment to implementing the Paris Agreement to show Indonesia’s seriousness in taking part in the global movement to save the Earth. One of the mechanisms to prevent Earth’s damage is reducing carbon emission levels and maintaining forest sustainability.

Furthermore, as Indonesian indigenous peoples live in forests and from forest products, the role of indigenous peoples in forest conservation is very strategic. When the government regulates and manages forests, the government must involve indigenous people because they have been the ones who, with their wisdom, have guarded and managed forests.

“One of the problems to be discussed in the MOOC’ Carbon Trading and Forest Conservation’ is related to the importance of increasing forest conservation in a carbon trading scheme. Meanwhile, the MOOC’ Indigenous Peoples and Forest Conservation’ will discuss the role of indigenous peoples in handling global warming and climate change issues,” she explained.

She also said that getting a grant award from a world-class institution such as the Pulitzer Center was a big achievement for her. However, the most important thing for her is that Universitas Airlangga, her alma mater, is recorded in the Pulitzer data.  “It confirms UNAIR as a university with a global reputation. I am very grateful to the Director of DIPP UNAIR Prof Dr I Made Narsa SE MSi Ak CA, who has provided so much convenience and fully facilitated the implementation of this MOOC. When I asked for a recommendation, he gave it right away. It is very encouraging,” she said.

Universitas Airlangga hosts 2022 WUACD Summit and Conference

The World University Association for Community Development (WUACD) proves that an institution could contribute significantly to the community. In 2018, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) initiated WUACD for more impactful community development programs. The platform is an integrated collaboration of universities worldwide for developing communities to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This year, UNAIR hosted the WUACD Summit and Conference in Surabaya. The first day of the Summit was held on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at the Management Building of UNAIR, Surabaya. The summit discussed several topics, including WUACD continuity and its programs.

UNAIR presented some of its ongoing and completed programs on community development, such as the Ksatria Airlangga Floating Hospital (RSTKA) and Psikologi Mencari Bakat (Psychology Got Talent).

Prof. Dr. Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih MSi, the Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation, and Community Development, explained the contributions of RSTKA to community development service. “The floating hospital was established to reach numerous remote areas in Indonesia. The RSTKA helps distribute main necessities, such as energy, food, or health, especially for the COVID-19 vaccination program,” Prof. Nyoman said. The archipelagic conditions of Indonesia make equal health service distribution challenging to achieve. “Apart from the health services, RSTKA also provides education for the community,” she continued.

Dr Niko Azhari Hidayat Sp BTKV(K), the coordinator of WUACD health and environment program, explained the Psikologi Mencari Bakat (PMB). The program was managed by UNAIR Faculty of Psychology (FPsi) in collaboration with psychology practitioners and intended for children with disabilities. Since 2021, PMB has collaborated with WUACD to invite international guest judges from Malaysia. At that time, PMB gave 466 children with disabilities the opportunity to show their talents and interests. “The program distinctively stands out as it boosts children’s confidence. They can play, sharpen their skills, and gain potential abilities from the surroundings,” he ended.

The summit also held a signing session of memorandums of understanding between the participating transnational institutions.

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia students engage in Campus Asia Summer School in 5 countries

Five students from different departments at fPz  had an opportunity to be selected to participate in a 10-day program of Campus Asia Summer School with a total of 24 college students from China, Korea, Thailand, and Japan which took place from 23 to 31 August 2022. This program is part of a consortium of universities in five countries, i.e. Hiroshima University (Japan), Beijing Normal University and Chancun University (China), Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (South Korea), Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (Indonesia), and Kasetsaart University (Thailand), which agree to conduct international collaboration to improve the quality of highly diverse human resources in Asia in order to shape college students who have inclusive perspectives.

There are four schemes in the Campus Asia, in which Summer Program is an annual program launched in 2021 and will be carried out up to four years from now. The other three schemes are joint e-course which began in 2022; short exchange visit to Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia which will be held this early September 2022; and one semester exchange, in which UPI will send two delegates to Hiroshima University in October 2022.

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia participants in Summer School are Ahmad Fauzy (Physics Education), Aninda Putri Gunawan (English Language Education), Chintia Khorunnisa and Andlily Aprilia Rahmawati (Special Education), and Nisaudzakiah Utami (Technology and Vocational Education). Some of these participants have taken part in an e-course themed Inclusion and Diversity which was taught collaboratively by Dr Norimune Kawai (Hiroshima University) and Arif Hidayat, Ph.D. Ed. (Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia) since January 2022

This Summer School was organized into lectures, group discussions, idea mining seminar, workshop, and excursion. The participants were given opportunities to engage with superior research from lecturers in Hiroshima University, which include Ultrasound in Linguistics, Learning Engineering in STEM learning, research in Cultural and Religious Diversity, and neuroscience of cognitive aspect in foreign language studies. By the end of the program, the participants presented their knowledge and experience in exploring one of the topics after having direct discussion with the researcher from the chosen topic.

The coordinator of Campus Asia from Hiroshima University, Professor Kazuhiko Koike expressed his gratitude for the presence and contribution from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia delegates who had actively involved and presented the work well. Meanwhile, the supervisor from UPI, Arif Hidayat PhD Ed, who was present in the location, said that this program is beneficial to give global and multi-perspective horizon for the students in the effort to build and support a more inclusive individual and society.

According to Aninda Putri Gunawan, one of the participants of Summer School, the activities in the Summer School had opened a new perspective on inclusive education. In addition, the lectures by the professors were very useful to be applied in the classroom teaching learning process. Aninda successfully got the third place in the presentation session with her presentation “Inclusive Education in Teaching Foreign Language” with Kim Sumin from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and Wang Dejiang from Beijing Normal University.

Another participant, Andily Aprilia Rahmawati, said that the most impressive from this program was that learning about inclusivity and diversity in different countries was very fun. There were many benefits, such as exploring theories on inclusive education, getting introduced to various technologies to support inclusivity, and sharpening language skills by interacting with students from many countries. In the end of the program, all students had final presentations assessed directly by all the professor. The last presentation delivered by Andily was even assessed by Professor Delakorda Yawashima, the Director of CEDAR, a world peace organization.

Improving medical healthcare service, UNAIR lecturer creates Medical Tourism Indonesia

Universitas Airlangga lecturer dr Niko Azhari Hidayat Sp BTKV(K) created innovation and a breakthrough in the health sector. The Industrial Engineering lecturer developed ‘Medical Tourism Indonesia’.

‘Medical Tourism Indonesia’ is a platform for medical treatment packaged in tourism activity. Cited from medicaltourism.id page, the platform offers comprehensive health features such as end-to-end services from pick-up service for medical tourists, accommodation, drop-off service to medical facilities, recovery tour trips, and taking them back home.

“Medical Tourism Indonesia is the ‘Traveloka’ of hospitals,” dr Niko said to UNAIR NEWS on Friday, September 9, 2022.

This innovation is claimed to bring in medical tourists from abroad and push down the number of Indonesians who prefer medical treatment abroad. According to the International Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ), approximately 3 million people get medical treatment overseas, which costs more than 100 Trillion Rupiah annually.

“This is how we support the nation’s economy through medical and tourism. People no longer have to get treatment overseas,” said dr. Niko.

Launched in 2021, the platform was initially in the form of social media for providing medical information. However, to offer wider impacts and excellent features—such as price transparency in treatment, dr. Niko and his team started developing the Medical Tourism Indonesia application, which is now available to the public.

“We have already prepared the payment (system, ed), the mechanism is the last feature to be improved,” said dr. Niko.

Innovation Scale-up

The doctor said that Medical Tourism Indonesia is the scaled-up version of his preliminary breakthrough. Previously, the secretary of UNAIR Research and Community Service Institute (LPPM) had also launched vascularindonesia.com, a digital platform for treating patients with blood vessel problems.

“My scale-up program is not within the finance sector only. The program I developed was called ‘Vascular Indonesia Health Travel’ in 2020 which eventually transformed into medical tourism. Medical tourism becomes the second platform,” said dr. Niko.

Every platform he builds is a service to the community. The doctor wants to help provide convenience and positive contributions to society.

Independent student exchange program inspires Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia students

The independent student exchange program (PMM) of the Directorate General of Higher Education (Ditjen Dikti) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) has been successful and has successfully inspired Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia students as well as students in Indonesia. Through this program, the Ministry of Education and Culture and universities in various parts of Indonesia have succeeded in increasing students’ insight into Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, as well as strengthening cross-cultural and ethnic brotherhood.

In addition, this program is also successful and successful in building student friendships between regions, ethnicities, cultures, and religions, thereby increasing the spirit of national unity and integrity. This program also succeeded in forming students’ attitudes in respecting the diversity of cultures, views, religions, and beliefs, as well as opinions, working together and having social sensitivity and concern for society and the environment.

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia participates and participates in taking an important part in realizing the independent learning campus policy (MBKM). Through this program, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia seeks to realize the National Policy Direction and Strategy of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology in the Mental Revolution Development Agenda and Pancasila Ideology Development to Strengthen National Cultural Resilience and Form an Advanced, Modern, and Character Mentality of the Nation.

Through this independent student exchange program, as a concrete form of Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia in realizing a mental revolution as an academic and cultural movement in affirming Indonesia as a pluralistic nation-state, having a diversity of ethnicities, customs, cultures, languages, and religions, which form a unity in diversity : Bhinneka Tunggal Ika in the education system in higher education, especially at the Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia.

In this 2022 independent student exchange program, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia participated in and succeeded in two types of independent student exchanges in the form of inbound as host or recipient which was attended by 92 students from 30 universities in Indonesia and in the form of outbound as participants by sending 45 students to take part in the program. held in 22 other universities in Indonesia.

The independent student exchange program is coordinated by Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia through the Vice Chancellor for Education and Student Affairs and the Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia Directorate of Education. Director of Education Dr. rer.nat Asep Supriatna, M.Si explained that the mechanism for the independent student exchange carried out by UPI was by compiling or adjusting a curriculum that facilitated students to take courses, determining and offering courses that students could take, setting a quota of participants taking the offered courses., and set the number of credits that can be taken. Learning activities are carried out face-to-face and online (online).

The Coordinator of the Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia MBKM Team as well as the Head of the Financial and Resource Administration Section at the Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia Directorate of Education, Agus Sutiawan, SE said that Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia role as a sending university as well as a destination or recipient university, seeks to make independent student exchanges run well and establish cooperation between universities to organize credit transfers that students can participate in and allocate quotas for inbound and outbound students. In addition, UPI strives to provide the best service for students in implementing this program, monitoring the implementation of student exchanges, assessing and evaluating student exchange results for later recognition of student credits, and reporting the results of learning activities to the Directorate General of Higher Education Kemendikbudristek.

Agus Sutiawan, SE explained that students participating in the Independent Student Exchange Program (PMM) must participate in and complete the Nusantara Module program which contains providing a comprehensive understanding of diversity, national insight and love for the homeland which includes four types of activities, namely cultural exchange, inspiration , reflection, and social contribution. In the implementation of the Nusantara Module, the PMM participant students are guided by the Nusantara Module Supervisor who is responsible for making materials and carrying out the Nusantara Module activities based on the guidelines for the preparation of the Nusantara Module.

Guiding and facilitating PMM Participating Students in accordance with the activities specified in the Nusantara Module to be able to take part in the Nusantara Module properly. Conduct an assessment of participant engagement, dynamics, and progress. Compile and submit monthly reports based on activities carried out in the Nusantara Module on the page provided. Approved the monthly report of PMM students. Provide final assessment to PMM Participating Students. Following up on the feedback provided by the Directorate General of Higher Education regarding the implementation of the Nusantara Module and Managing the funding of the Nusantara Module activities.

President Jokowi named UNAIR-made COVID-19 Vaccine Inavac

The Merah Putih vaccine developed by Universitas Airlangga research team has been officially named Inavac by the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo. The vaccine was developed under collaboration between UNAIR and PT Biotis Pharmaceutical Indonesia.

The final stage of human clinical trials is currently at phase 3 and has been ongoing since June 27. Phase 3 clinical trials were carried out after obtaining permission from the Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM).

UNAIR Rector Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih, S.E., M.T., Ak. revealed that in phase 3 clinical trials, the Inavac vaccine was injected to 5,000 volunteer subjects. Prof. Nasih also confirmed that it is still ongoing. In the near future, vaccine clinical trials for boosters will be conducted.

“The process for phase three is still ongoing. Alhamdulillah, indeed. We are very grateful for the outstanding support from BPOM in the development of this vaccine,” he said on Saturday, August 27, 2022.

Multi-Parties Support

The process of Inavac vaccine development, which has reached the final stage of clinical trials, brought pride to the Governor of East Java, Khofifah Indar Parawansa. She said she was proud of UNAIR for making a significant contribution to protect the health of the Indonesian people, and even the world.

Meanwhile, President Joko Widodo is targeting the Inavac vaccine to be ready for mass production and distribution in East Java after September 2022. The East Java Provincial Government targets that by the end of the month the Inavac vaccine would have completed trials and received an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) following the international standards by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Previously, the Inavac vaccine had gone through phase 1 clinical trials on February 8, 2022 with 90 volunteer subjects. Then. Phase 2 clinical trials on March 27, 2022, with 405 volunteer subjects.

The president has named two Indonesian-made COVID-19 vaccines. The Merah Putih vaccine was named Inavac, while the vaccine made by State-Owned Enterprise (BUMN) was named Indovac.

“I am proud of Indonesia. Indovac, the first vaccine, is for the BUMN vaccine. And the second, Merah Putih vaccine with an inactivated virus platform, is called Inavac. The President has also approved it,” said the Head of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM RI), Penny K Lukito in Jakarta, Friday, on August 26, 2022. (*)

Joint degree program graduation ceremony between ITS, Mokpo National University

Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) continues to intensify the Joint Degree Program with foreign universities. On Friday, August 19, 2022, Mokpo National University (MNU) – South Korea and ITS held a graduation ceremony for the Joint Degree Students of the Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding Department in Mokpo. Twenty-seven students of ITS attended the graduation ceremony. They had spent the last one year at Mokpo National University.

The Head of Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding Department, Ir. Wasis Dwi Aryawan, M.Sc., Ph.D., explained that the joint degree program offers students a double degree, a Bachelor of Engineering (ST) from ITS and a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) from MNU. Students have to take around 83 credits at ITS (3 years) and 62 credits (1 year) at MNU.

Among the twenty-seven students, seven graduates are accepted at a South Korean shipbuilding company, and three graduates received scholarships for a master’s degree program at MNU. The graduation ceremony in Mokpo was attended by the parents, the representatives from ITS, and the companies that accept the graduates, such as BOWON M&P Co., Ltd., KR Engineering Co., Ltd., YUIL Co., Ltd., and KHAN Co., Ltd.

Dr. Wasis hopes the graduates may expand and apply the knowledge regarding the national shipping industry they learned in South Korea. Last but not least, the Department of Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding ITS will broaden the joint degree for the master’s program.

UMY’s International Relations Study Program sends intern students across the globe

The Internationalization Program is one of the flagship programs of the International Relations Study Program (HI) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY). To facilitate this, HI UMY provides opportunities for its students to take part in an internship program held at the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in several countries including; Indonesian Consulate General in New York, Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah, Indonesian Consulate General in Davao, Indonesian Embassy in Ankara, and Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi. A total of 10 students were dispatched to carry out internship assignments for the next 2 to 3 months in this program, which is being implemented for the first time.

When contacted on Monday (5/9), the Head of UMY’s International Relations Study Program, Dr. Sugito, revealed that the purpose of this program, other than as additional work experience for the students, is to implement theory and practice gained during education. “In addition, students also get other benefits such as additional soft skills and hard skills, increasing relationships when meeting with the international community, taking roles in discussions held at the Consulate General and the Indonesian Embassy, ​​and participating directly in resolving issues related to Indonesia that occur in that country. The results of the internship are expected to become a report that can replace the final project and can be published,” he explained.

Sugito also conveyed a message to UMY International Relations students who will do their internships abroad, to always maintain the good name of UMY International Relations. “Work well, maintain your attitude, and behave according to applicable norms. This program can be a bridge for HI UMY to carry out various other collaborations with the Consulate General and the Indonesian Embassy, ​​as well as with related countries,” he added.

The release ceremony for the interns was held on Wednesday (31/8) at the UMY International Relations Study Program, represented by Sandi Prayogi, an intern at the Indonesian Consulate General in New York, and Nandhita Zahra, an intern at the Indonesian Consulate in Jeddah. When met after the release ceremony, Sandi admitted that he felt proud, happy, and nervous because this was his first experience for an internship at a government agency, especially since this one will be located in another country.

“I hope that through this program, I can get an extraordinary experience, especially about how a real diplomat works,” said the student who will have the opportunity to become a companion under the Economic Attache in trade, tourism, investment forums and exhibitions. In addition to his internship obligations, Sandi also admitted that he would conduct research on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in the United States as a condition for his final assignment.