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UNAIR signs MoA with National Dong Hwa University Taiwan on research, mobility, and community service

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

Universitas Airlangga has partnered with another international university to expand its collaboration network. Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the National Dong Hwa University, Taiwan on Friday, March 1, 2024, at the Bali Room, ASEEC Tower, Dharmawangsa B Campus, UNAIR. The MoA focuses on future collaborations, including joint classes, student exchanges, and community development initiatives, particularly for the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) and the Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidiscipline (FTMM).

The signing ceremony was attended by the Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Prof. Wu-Yuin Hwang Ph.D., along with his team; the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), Prof. Miratul Khasanah M.Si., and her team; the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidiscipline (FTMM), Prof. Dr. Retna Apsari M.Si., and her team; as well as the Vice Director of Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE), Dr. Dina Septiani Ph.D.

“I am aware of the exceptional quality of Universitas Airlangga’s medical school. Also the Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidiscipline, which is new. I am delighted to explore opportunities for further collaboration as the prospects are indeed vast,” said Prof. Hwang.

Invitation for student exchange

Prof. Dr. Retna hoped that these discussions would pave the way for collaborations in community service, joint classes, and collaborative research endeavors. “We have five study programs: Data Science Technology, Nanotechnology Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, as well as Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Engineering. We envision potential collaborations, starting from joint classes, joint research, and community service that we can discuss further in the future,” she said.

“The joint classes facilitated by Airlangga Global Engagement are still open for consideration. If there is interest, further discussions can be arranged,” she added.

Prof. Hwang also agreed on student exchange between both universities. Moreover, CSAE already has an international program, so exchange students do not need to learn Mandarin beforehand.

“Currently, 39 Indonesian students are studying at CSAE, and regarding expenses, there is no need to worry. Because we provide scholarships, especially for excellent students,” he emphasized.

Co-supervising opportunity

The meeting also resulted in a discussion on the realization of student co-supervising between the two universities. “Considering our mutual research interests, we aspire to embark on co-supervision initiatives, especially in areas where our research intersects. Perhaps lecturers from CSAE could visit Indonesia, or our students could go to Taiwan,” concluded Prof. Dr. Retna.

Estimating Ship-hull Roughness Using Laser-based Flow Diagnostics

Posted on by ITS Global Engagement

Biofouling refers to the accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae, and animals on submerged surfaces, particularly in aquatic environments. In the context of ships, biofouling occurs when these organisms adhere to the hull and other submerged structures, forming a layer of marine growth. This accumulation can have significant adverse effects on a ship’s performance and efficiency. Biofouling increases drag, resulting in higher fuel consumption and operational costs. Additionally, it can reduce the vessel’s speed, maneuverability, and overall hydrodynamic efficiency.

After obtaining a small funding from the Australia-Indonesia Centre (AIC) in 2014, to get to know each other and seek the potential of joint research, Prof. I Ketut Aria Pria Utama from ITS and Prof Jason Monty together with Prof Nick Hutchins from Melbourne University decided to continue the collaboration. Acknowledging the crucial importance of energy conservation in ships and the concept of understanding the growth of boundary layer, Prof Utama, Prof Monty and Prof Hutchins together with Prof Barathram Ganapathisubramani from Southampton University UK submitted a proposal and later received a two-year funding from the Newton Fund in 2015. All of them have similar interest and strong background in fluid mechanics.

The research required a ship for experimentation, and PT. Dharma Lautan Utama, a company owned by an ITS alumnus, generously provided one. During the experiments, the ship’s bottom part was replaced with glass and subjected to laser scans to examine the growth of boundary layer. The movements of the ship were meticulously recorded. The outcomes of this research garnered attention, including coverage by Australian television and the publication of several significant papers, prompting its continuation. This part of research finally ended in 2018.

However, due to the Newton Fund’s one-time funding policy for research on the same topic, Prof. Hutchins as the team leader has seeked further support and finally secured additional funding from the Australian Research Council, covering the period from 2021 to 2025. This time, PT Samudra Indonesia provides a ship to support the research; the current ship sails even farther to the ocean hence the results will be more interesting. The involvement of PT Samudera Indonesia is (by accident) in correlation with the recent MoU between ITS and the biggest shipping companies in the country. Luckily, some of the managers involving in the project, were ITS students in naval architecture. In addition, the project includes a PhD student from Indonesia and funded by LPDP.

As in the first part, the research team has presented the work in prestigious conferences of fluid mechanics in Madrid (Spain) and Washington DC (USA) and received considerable attention because of the use of commercial vessel, which is very unlikely so far. Whilst the research is still progressing, the team is preparing to publish the work to high-ranked journal such as Nature and Physics of Fluid, and other flagship conferences.

Communication FISIP USU Organizes Another Training to Empower Women of Medan City

Posted on by Maryam Mazaya

The Communication Science Study Program of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) again organized a dedication program. This time dedicated to empowering urban women. Led by the head of the Communication Science Study Program, Mrs. Dra. Mazdalifah M.Si., Ph.D., this dedication targeted female traditional herbal medicine (jamu) sellers, the majority of whom originate from Java and now reside in Medan City.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Medan City, there exists a group of female jamu sellers who lead lives full of dedication. They not only strive to supplement their family incomes but also inherit family traditions in making and selling jamu, a traditional beverage rich in health benefits. The majority of them hail from Java, choosing to migrate to Medan City to improve the economic status of their families.

However, in 1998, Indonesia was hit by an economic crisis that saw a sharp increase in prices of essential commodities, including those needed to produce jamu. This posed a significant burden for the female jamu sellers, who were forced to face even greater economic difficulties. In response to this issue, Mrs. Dra. Mazdalifah M.Si., Ph.D., a communication lecturer from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at USU, was moved to assist them by providing business capital through the Medan Urban Women’s Foundation, Yayasan Perkotaan Perempuan Kota Medan (YP2M), which she leads. This collaboration not only offered financial assistance but also empowered these women economically and socially.

Every year, the female jamu sellers regularly receive business capital assistance from YP2M. Mazdalifah and her team, supported by students as field assistants, periodically meet with them. These meetings serve not only as a platform for providing assistance but also as an opportunity to strengthen their skills and knowledge. During each monthly meeting, they are given counseling on business management, health, religious education, politics, and other relevant topics.

On October 13, 2024, a series of empowerment activities were conducted by channeling business capital assistance to a group of female jamu sellers on Halat Street, Medan City. With 12 recipients in total, each received business capital assistance amounting to 2 million Indonesian Rupiah. This was done as part of a sustainable effort to support and develop their jamu businesses.

In addition to providing financial assistance, Mazdalifah also actively conducts political participation counseling for these women, considering the upcoming General Election on February 14, 2024. Through this counseling, they are given an understanding of the importance of voting wisely, understanding candidate track records, and avoiding the spread of fake news. This aims to increase their political awareness and active participation in the democratic process.

The collaboration between YP2M and the female jamu sellers has been ongoing for 24 years, and both parties are deeply grateful for this. As the chairperson of YP2M, Mazdalifah feels proud to continue accompanying them on this long jouey. Meanwhile, the female jamu sellers feel supported and motivated to continue developing their businesses to remain sustainable and independent.

With ongoing collaboration and continuous support, the hope of seeing these women develop into intelligent and independent individuals in various fields becomes increasingly achievable. This is a tangible example of how empowering urban women can create a wide-ranging positive impact on society.

#CommunicationFISIPUSU #UniversitasSumateraUtara #USU #FISIPUSU

FISIP UNAIR hosts student visit from Phillips-Marburg Universität, Germany

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) UNAIR hosted a student visit from Phillips-Marburg Universität, Germany, on Thursday, March 7, 2024. The event, held in the Adi Sukadana Hall, was titled “International Visit & Cultural Discussion from Phillips-Marburg Universität”.

Phillips-Marburg Universität sent 33 of its students to learn about Javanese cultures in Surabaya. The agenda was also attended by the Student Executive Board (BEM) of FISIP UNAIR, aiming to build a global network with foreign students.

The event served as a platform to acquaint the visitors with Surabaya’s culture and wisdom, with a special emphasis on showcasing local traditions, particularly the Javanese script or Hanacaraka. It provided the German students with an opportunity to delve into the cultural ethos of Java.

Dhahana Adi, Cultural Program Assistant at Wisma Jerman delivered a welcoming speech. “This visit marks the first encounter at FISIP as part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FISIP UNAIR and the University of Marburg. Surabaya Cultural Odyssey serves as a platform for foreign students to learn about Surabaya’s culture and wisdom. I hope for more collaborations in the future, especially with the Goethe Institute,” he said.

The students visited the Ethnographic Museum and the Center of Death Studies at FISIP UNAIR. The next agenda was elaborated by International Relations lecturer Probo Darono Yakti, S.Hub.Int., M.Hub.Int.

“The visit will take place in Surabaya, we will engage with the local communities and learn traditional arts,” he said.

The German students are introduced to various cultures in East Java, ranging from Reog, pencak silat, “Rek Ayo Rek” song, to wayang. The excitement continues as the students dance together to “Gemu Fa Mi Re” and “Kewer-Kewer”. Furthermore, they also played traditional games with other FISIP students.

For the following activities, a tour of Surabaya to introduce the city to the German students, followed by cultural practices at the Balai Pemuda has been scheduled. The German students eagerly embraced the opportunity to interact with their peers from FISIP UNAIR. They are eager to learn about the local culture during their stay in Surabaya.

ITS Hemoglobest team garners attention from STMicroelectronics after Pimnas triumph

Posted on by ITS Global Engagement

Following their triumph at the 36th National Student Scientific Week (Pimnas) in the category of the Student Creativity Program on Creative Initiatives (PKM-KC) in 2023, the Hemoglobest Team at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) received an encouraging development: they were contacted by STMicroelectronics (STM). STMicroelectronics is a global high-tech company creating semiconductor technologies for various industries, who saw potential in the Hemoglobest innovation. They reached out to the Hemoglobest Team following their success story at Pimnas. This partnership prospect signifies a remarkable opportunity for Hemoglobest to advance its technology and potentially bring it to a wider audience.

Under the mentorship of Dr. Astria Nur Irfansyah, a senior lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering, the team had successfully developed a pioneering hemoglobin detector named Hemoglobest. With a primary focus on lupus, an autoimmune disease associated with adverse effects like anemia, the Hemoglobest Team’s initiative aimed to introduce a non-invasive hemoglobin detector. This device, driven by artificial intelligence, facilitated the measurement of hemoglobin levels and predicted the likelihood of anemia without invasive procedures. Its non-invasive nature ensured ease of use and eliminated user discomfort. The operational mechanism involved the utilization of five light spectrums absorbed by hemoglobin in the blood vessels of the fingertips, surpassing traditional oximeters that typically rely on only two spectrums.

By employing an STM32 microcontroller, STMicroelectronics could enhance the capabilities of Hemoglobest. The STM32 microcontroller, known for its efficiency and advanced features, seamlessly integrated artificial intelligence functions into the device. This not only conserved power but also served as an early warning system for lupus patients. Moreover, the non-invasive design aimed to reduce medical waste associated with conventional procedures, offering a sustainable solution for patients. The potential impact of Hemoglobest on minimizing medical waste in Indonesia is significant, and with the collaboration with STMicroelectronics, its reach and effectiveness may be further amplified.

Communication FISIP USU holds training on importance of public speaking

Posted on by Maryam Mazaya

Last 2023, on Saturday 9 September to be precise, the Communication Studies Program of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at Universitas Sumatra Utara (USU) took an important step in community engagement. Led by the Department of Communication Studies, a team of dedicated lecturers organized a public speaking training session for 60 students, teachers and the principal of SMA Al Washliyah 1 Medan.

The training consisted of three main modules: “The Power of Public Speaking”, “Body Language” and “Master of Ceremony/Speech Delivery”. Under the guidance of the Community Engagement Team chaired by Dra. Fatma Wardy Lubis MA, and USU communication science students.

“Communication is very important and is needed in the world of work, so the ability to speak in public is very necessary,” said Fatma Wardy Lubis. In the presentation of material on public speaking, FISIP USU alumni Iffah Zulfah Imaroh shared insights on mastering the role of master of ceremony (MC).

According to Iffah, being an MC requires not only a melodious voice, but also a strong personality and intellectual depth. She said that an MC must have extensive knowledge, a large vocabulary, good language skills, and a good personality.

The training ended with Shevilla Mayori’s presentation on the importance of body language when speaking or presenting in public. She concluded that we cannot gesture carelessly, as it can show disrespect. It is recommended to use the thumb or the whole hand when speaking in public.

After the informative session, the event continued with a competition involving high school participants. They were given 20 minutes to prepare their speeches, after which they showcased their public speaking talents by giving speeches, MC-ing, and giving reviews.

To reflect on the experience, one of the participants said he thought the activities organized by Communication USU this public speaking training were very useful for them. Similarly, another participant said that the event was a lot of fun and the games enriched their experience. They felt it helped them correct their mistakes in public speaking.

Under the guidance of Fatma Wardy Lubis, the team of lecturers from the Communication Science Department, including Moulita and Munzaimah Masril, alongside a psychologist, Raras Sutatminingsih, spearheaded this community engagement initiative. Through such collaborative efforts, the University of Sumatera Utara continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing confident and articulate individuals, contributing to the broader societal development agenda.

Farming Smarter, Not Harder: USU Alumni’s Start-Up Project for Smart Farming Equipment

Posted on by Editorial Team

The Industrial Revolution 4.0 engendered major technological changes in Indonesia’s agriculture to boost production yields by prioritizing effectiveness and efficiency in various fields that support the sector. This incentivizes various innovations for agricultural products: new tools, new processing techniques, and new management procedures.

Some fresh graduates of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), Dwi Budi Prasetyo, Rizki Ari Mihalza, Intan Dewani, and Rico Wardana, teamed up to brainstorm a contribution to this developing urgency. All three are members of a start-up called Mandike Instruments, which specializes in technology and education.

The team came up with a piece of innovative equipment that is projected to increase work efficiency for farmers called Smart Farming. The equipment is designed to be portable and easily assembled, with sensor nodes and gateways as well as unique applications that are continuously refined and updated.

According to Dwi Budi Prasetyo, CEO of Mandike Instruments, Smart Farming monitors and determines the degree of acidity, temperature, rainfall, humidity, and weather conditions in an area that will be used for agriculture.
“Knowing these can aid farmers in measuring the most efficient amount of fertilizers for agricultural activities, as excessive fertilizers can damage the nutrients in the agricultural land. In addition, knowing the soil fertility level and determining the types of plants suitable for development will also increase the efficiency of farmers’ expenditures,” Dwi said.

Dwi stated that the accompanying application for Smart Farming is currently at the testing and refinement stage.

“We want this tool to be really effective in helping farmers. Thus, the trials cannot be done in one or two times. We must conduct it many times to obtain the right result,” he added.

Regarding whether Smart Farming will be sold in limited quantities or mass-produced, Dwi admits that he has yet to decide because it will be discussed with the commissioners of CV Mandike. In addition to assessing prices, consumer capabilities and market acceptance, which farmers dominate, will influence their start-up’s capability.

Dwi emphasized that they are considering developing and manufacturing delicately, as the equipment was intended to help farmers without burdening them with additional costs. Increasing the amount of capital farmers need will affect the selling price of their agricultural products. They are currently planning a collaborative trial run for the equipment with government and private stakeholders.

The team hopes to strengthen the collaboration between CV Mandike and USU agricultural alumni to engineer and innovate other tools for use in the farming sector. Being holders of degrees in Electrical Engineering from USU, the team is optimistic that their collaboration can benefit each other to increase the research and development output, manufacture, and market and publicity outreach with the academic institution.

USU Advances Technology Adaptation in Rural Areas

Posted on by Fotarisman Zaluchu

The Public Administration Program (Prodi IAP) of the Faculty of Social Science and Political Sciences (FISIP) at the Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) is actively working to enhance technological adaptation in rural areas. Over the past three years, the Public Administration Program has collected various data, which has been organized into village profiles, village sketches, and village videos. The results of these efforts have been compiled into a village website. The creation on the village website is a progressive step to prepare villages for current technological advancements. In Indonesia, with over 80 thousand villages, only a few have their own websites. USU presence will accelerate rural development, especially in areas within USU reach, where the university has the capability to build websites.

The launch of the village website and training on its utilization took place in in Tanjung Putus Village, Langkat Regency, Indonesia.

Higher education, in this case, the Public Administration Program, plays a strategic role in advancing villages or village governments. Faculty members and students actively engage in solving issues within the village. The launch of this website is one concrete manifestation of the Universitas Sumatera Utara responsibility to the surrounding community, as said by Dra. Februati Trimurni, M.Si, Ph.D. Over three years, the IAP Program regularly dispatched students for field activities, supported by expert faculty members. These activities were conducted within the framework of research and community service, formally part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between USU and Langkat Regency.

Training for creating the village website involved instructing village officials to proficiently input data into the website. Additionally, village activities, documented through videos or photos, were trained to be uploaded to the website. Even village regulations were displayed on the website for easy dissemination to all villagers. Training participants were also equipped with skills for independently managing the website. The village website will facilitate access to important information and data, simultaneously promoting the village on a broader stage.

The Head of the IAP Program added that Indonesia is currently promoting rural development, with state funds allocated to empower villages, especially in infrastructure. However, USU provides soft skills intervention, aiming to incorporate information technology into villages for broader benefits to the community. She also emphasize that USU plays an important role so that national government policies can be implemented more quickly and effectively. USU plan to train other villages to have similar advantages, enabling them to introduce themselves globally because they have their own websites. This is how USU contributes to realizing a global village for the benefit of rural communities and the global progress of humanity.

Smartphone for Safety: Improving Fishing Boat Stability with Kora-kora Apps

Posted on by ITS Global Engagement

Indonesia is one of the top three countries globally for fisher fatalities. With around 2.2 million fishers and over 600,000 fishing vessels in Indonesia, this is a huge problem to address. This is mainly due to fishing vessels that are unsuited to the prevailing sea conditions with poor stability, a lack of watertight integrity, and an inability to control flooding. Indonesian fishermen often lack the necessary equipment and knowledge to assess the stability of their fishing boats, leading them to frequently operate in unsafe conditions and experience preventable accidents.

The existence of this problem prompted collaboration among Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), University College London (UCL), Universitas Pattimura (UNPATTI), and Orela Shipyard to conduct research about the safety of ship stability located in Ambon. The research team includes Prof. I Ketut Aria Pria Utama and Mr. Dony Setiawan from ITS, Prof Giles Thomas and Dr Andrea Grech La Rosa from UCL, Dr. Wolter Roberth Hetharia from Unpatti, and Mr. Soegeng Riyadi from Orela Shipyard. The project also involved students from ITS and Unpatti.

The study spans from 2021 to 2023 and is supported by the Newton Fund. The project developed an application (Apps) called \”Kora-Kora\”, named after a local warship. Kora-Kora is designed to be used in a practical, easy, and accessible way. Using a cellphone’s accelerometer and gyroscope sensors, Kora-Kora can automatically read the ship’s movements and give signals about the ship’s condition using color. Fishermen only need to install the apps, ensure their battery is fully charged for use as a ship stability device, and can operate without an internet connection. The application will give a green signal if the ship is considered safe and if it is in danger, the signal will be changed into red. Notably, the research results will be shared freely to public (in this case, fishermen) and will not be patented.

The project has received “the 2023 RINA-LR Maritime Safety Award” a prestigious award or prize sponsored by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) and the Lloyd Register of Shipping (LR). The research team still work to improve the Apps to make it better and more attractive hence can be use more easily.

Universitas Airlangga signs MoU with Princess Naradhiwas University Thailand

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

Universitas Airlangga has engaged in numerous collaborations to boost the internationalization of academic activities within the campus environment. In its latest endeavor, UNAIR signed an MoU to collaborate with Princess Naradhiwas University, Thailand on Tuesday, Feb 20, 2024, in the Plenary Meeting Room, Balairua Management Office, MERR C Campus, Universitas Airlangga.

The Rector of Universitas Airlangga, Prof Dr. Mohammad Nasih SE MT Ak, and the vice-rectors and deans attended the proceeding. Asst Prof Dr. Preecha Salaemae, President of Princess Naradhiwas University, along with representatives and students engaged in student exchange programs at UNAIR, were also present.

Global education endeavor

In his address, Prof Nasih conveyed UNAIR’s aspiration to foster international cooperation. The international collaborations will offer new opportunities and insights for the universities and academic communities involved.

“International cooperation of this nature is a testament to our (UNAIR) commitment to realizing global education. Besides collaborating in academic fields such as student exchanges or research publications, we also aim to create programs such as community development,” stated Prof Nasih.

Furthermore, Prof Nasih expressed gratitude to Princess Naradhiwas University for their willingness to collaborate with the Universitas Airlangga. “As we embark on this collaboration, we are hopeful that it will yield significant benefits for both institutions. We aspire to see the agreements outlined in the MoU effectively realized,” Prof Nasih stated.

Future prospects

Asst Prof Dr. Preecha Salaemae, President of Princess Naradhiwas University, also extended his gratitude to UNAIR. “We feel honored to have been invited to Surabaya. It marks a promising beginning for academic collaboration, and we hope to effectively implement the agreements outlined in this MoU,” Prof Preecha replied.

A representative from Airlangga Global Engagement, Dina Septiani PhD, then outlined the collaborative opportunities that could be realized by UNAIR and Princess Naradhiwas University. These opportunities include student and faculty exchanges, research collaboration, and joint publications.

“In 2022, UNAIR also visited Princess Naradhiwas University and engaged in student exchanges several times, one of which involved the Faculty of Nursing. Therefore, I believe this collaboration will proceed smoothly in the future,” concluded Dina.