ITS Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ir Mochamad Ashari MEng while giving a speech at the inauguration of the ITS STP Building – Gapura Maritime Innovation Center & Teaching Factor

Bangkalan, ITS News – To advance Indonesia’s maritime affairs, downstream research in various regions needs to be intensified. The Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) together with PT Shipyard Madura (Gapura) support the downstream maritime research by inaugurating the Science Techno Park (STP) Maritime Innovation Center & Teaching Factory Building located at PT Gapura, Bangkalan Regency, Madura, Wednesday (23/ 5).

The inauguration was carried out directly by the Chancellor of ITS Prof Dr. Ir Mochamad Ashari MEng together with the Main Director of PT Gapura Thomas Rhemus Prawiro. The inauguration ceremony was also attended by the Acting Regent of Bangkalan Drs Mohni MM, ITS Maritime STP Manager Ir Tri Achmadi, other ITS leadership, and several corporate partners.

Acting Regent of Bangkalan Drs Mohni MM also gave his remarks at the inauguration of the ITS STP Building – Gapura Maritime Innovation Center & Teaching Factory

In his opening, Tri Achmadi explained that ITS is known for its excellence in the field of maritime technology. Creating prosperity for the Indonesian maritime world has been ITS goal since its establishment was inaugurated by the first President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ir Soekarno. “However, this is not optimal because ITS itself still does not have an innovation trial facility that has a waterline or waterfront at sea,” said the ITS Marine Transportation Engineering Department lecturer.

Therefore, with this new maritime STP building, researchers including students can develop activities in the maritime field much more effectively. This is because so far research trials in the maritime field have been carried out in pools on campus or renting swimming pools off campus. This is of course inadequate and very inconvenient for the research team and students.

Main Director of PT Gapura Thomas Rhemus when delivering his remarks at the inauguration of the ITS STP Building – Gapura Maritime Innovation Center & Teaching Factory

The newly inaugurated STP building itself has been under construction since October 28, 2021. Even though construction was hampered by the Covid-19 pandemic and also the Russia – Ukraine war regarding construction materials, this building was successfully built with two floors covering an area of 450 square meters. “The development was carried out using a steel structure with an industrial interior theme,” added Tri.

Meanwhile, the Chancellor of ITS said that most of Indonesia’s territory consists of the sea so Indonesia’s marine potential is very unfortunate if it is not utilized properly. “As the oldest educational institution in Indonesia in the maritime field, ITS with its maritime innovations is ready to collaborate with industry, one of which is with PT Gapura,” said the chancellor who is usually called Ashari.

ITS STP Maritime Manager Ir Tri Achmadi (right) explains ITS collaborative research work to (from left) Acting Regent of Bangkalan Drs Mohni MM, Main Director of PT Gapura Thomas Rhemus Prawiro, ITS Rector Prof Dr. Ir Mochamad Ashari MEng on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Building STP ITS – Gapura Maritime Innovation Center & Teaching Factory

In line with this, the Acting Regent of Bangkalan Drs Mohni MM felt very grateful for this STP facility. It should be understood that the district government in East Java is limited to managing the coastal area. This is because the shoreline area can only be developed through the cooperation of the provincial government and shipyards and academics. So with this collaboration, Mohni thinks it will be very beneficial for the community.

In addition to the inauguration of the building, the invitees were also invited to witness a demonstration of the Intelligence Boat or i-Boat unmanned vessel which has been developed by ITS to help facilitate operations while at sea. On the same occasion, there was also an exhibition of ITS collaboration research results in the maritime field with industry parties and student work in the STP Maritim Innovation Center & Teaching Center Building area.

Demonstration of ITS autonomous Intelligence Boat (i-Boat) in the Kamal Harbor Pier area, Bangkalan Regency, Madura after the inauguration of the ITS STP Building – Gapura Maritime Innovation Center & Teaching Factory

In the future, this building is expected to be able to explore Indonesia’s maritime competitiveness, especially in Bangkalan Regency. This collaborative collaboration does not only provide experience opportunities for students in innovation but can also provide benefits to the Indonesian nation. (ITS Public Relation)

Reporter: Gandhi Kesuma