The procession of signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) text between PT PLN (Persero) and 16 of the best PTNs in Indonesia regarding the synergy of research and new renewable energy technology

Jakarta, ITS News – Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) continues to be determined to increase the contribution of national education by advancing research and technology in the field of new and renewable energy (EBT). This was realized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PT PLN (Persero) at the PT PLN Main Building Auditorium in Jakarta, Tuesday (10/1).

Signed together with 15 of the best state universities (PTN) in Indonesia, ITS was appointed as one of the educational institutions that is considered successful in actively contributing to the target of developing research potential in Indonesia. Targets that are focused by ITS also always emphasize transitional energy which is in line with PLN’s main goal of fighting the effects of global warming.

ITS Chancellor Prof Dr Ir Mochamad Ashari MEng IPU AEng explained that the collaboration carried out by ITS and PLN, both energy and academic research has been going on for a long time. However, unlike this time, the program which is directly supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) is designed to manage integrated cooperation with other universities.

The integrated system of research cooperation that supports this national goal is targeted to be more synergistic in the development of energy in the country. Furthermore, the chancellor who is usually called Ashari said that the government had also warned educational institutions and industry to plan EBT production well to distribute it to the community. “Thus, the development of energy transition will go well in the future,” he said.

More than that, this Professor of the Department of Electrical Engineering ITS said, the presence of PT is also expected to be more to project the technological needs of students. For ITS itself, this will utilize a research center that is tailored to the potential of students and the development of PLN in the energy sector. “This need will answer people’s questions about the efficiency of using EBT,” he assured.

Meanwhile, Main Director of PT PLN (Persero) Darmawan Prasodjo added, the transitional energy management cooperation by various PTs will be accompanied by a scholarship program by the Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP). Namely with the design of the program towards Golden Indonesia 2045 in improving the quality of students. “This target is also in line with programs that support national priorities in the public research sector,” said Darmawan.

Main Director of PT PLN (Persero) Darmawan Prasodjo when presenting the Strategic Plan for Cooperation in Energy Innovation Research and National Scholarships

According to Darmawan, this research development scholarship is a good opportunity for students, because the quota provided by PLN is also very limited. Especially with the rapid development of the transition period for the energy industry. “This of course will lead to very tight student competition,” he said.

The existence of PLN which is also one of the largest State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) among companies in Indonesia can also be a special reason for the good offer of this scholarship. Therefore, PLN really wants the participation of students for the progress of the nation, in line with Indonesia’s target of developing an energy transition.

The alignment of research and scholarship development pioneered by PLN and the Ministry of Education and Culture is expected to answer the challenges of national education. The integration of energy research development is also expected to strengthen graduate careers based on the Leadership, Enrichment, and Development (LEAD) program which involves professional mentors for students. (ITS Public Relations)

Reporter: Fauzan Fakhrizal Azmi