UNS – Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta has signed a partnership agreement for the KONEKSI project with the University of Canberra (UC), Australia, on Monday (18/11/2024). KONEKSI is a collaborative initiative in the fields of knowledge and innovation that fosters partnerships between Australian and Indonesian organizations to promote inclusive and sustainable policies and technologies. The project is funded by the Australian Government. 

The agreement was signed virtually by UNS Rector, Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si., and UC Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Michelle Lincoln. The event, held at the Vice-Chancellor’s Building, was attended by the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia and Vanuatu, Dr. Siswo Pramono, as well as Australian government officials, including Dr. Lauren Bain from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Ms. Alison Drury from the Department of Industry, Science, and Resources. 

The Australian team, led by Prof. Dr. Ahmed Imran from UC, and the Indonesian team, led by Prof. Dr. Wahyudi Sutopo, S.T., M.Si., who also serves as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering (FT) UNS, participated in a kick-off meeting alongside Australian partners, including NEVCE, ITP Renewables, and EVENERGI. Dean of UC, Prof. Dr. Janine Deakin, and Education and Culture Attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra, Prof. Dr. Mukhamad Najib, also guided during the session. 

“Electric buses for public transportation will reduce carbon emissions and stimulate the battery industry as demand rises. Indonesia has nickel, and Australia has lithium, which are key materials for battery production. The challenges of decarbonizing public transport are addressed in a joint project titled Decarbonization Pathways for Indonesia’s Buses Infrastructure (DIBI),” Prof. Wahyudi Sutopo explained. 

UNS researchers, including public and intelligent transport systems expert Dr. Ir. Budi Yulianto, will study decarbonization pathways for Indonesia’s bus infrastructure using energy routing estimation tools, renewable energy, and ecosystem modeling. 

Dr. Budi noted that the initial study will be conducted in Surakarta in collaboration with the Surakarta Transportation Agency and City Government. Assessments of energy demand, emission reductions, fleet management, and infrastructure readiness will be conducted by Dr. Tech. Sholiqin As’ad, M.T., and Dr. Eng. Pringgo Widyo Laksono, S.T., M.T. 

In addition, preparations for human resources, including skilled operators not only for driving but also for maintaining, charging, scheduling, and other roles, will be studied by Ir. Renny Rochani, Ph.D., a UC alumna and faculty member of UNS’s Industrial Engineering Program. The project will also focus on DIBI’s alignment with Gender Equity, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI). 

The KONEKSI project marks a significant step for UNS in addressing national challenges through its study of decarbonization pathways for Indonesia’s bus infrastructure, supporting sustainable energy and transportation development. 

This initiative reflects UNS’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

HUMAS UNS