ITS Vice Rector IV Bambang Pramujati ST MSc Eng Ph.D. (front left), Minister of Social Affairs Dr. HC Ir Tri Rismaharini MT, and Head of the ITS Shipbuilding Engineering Department Ir Wasis Dwi Aryawan MSc Ph.D. (right) while sailing on a ship made by the people of Mamberamo Raya, Papua

ITS Campus, ITS News – Following up on government programs, the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) cooperates with Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) and Cendrawasih University (Uncen) to improve the welfare of marine transportation modes in Papua. Through shipbuilding training for 40 people of Mamberamo Raya, Papua. The Training was closed on Wednesday (23/3), with the handover of two fiberglass boats by the Indonesian Minister of Social Affairs Dr. (HC) Ir Tri Rismaharini MT.

Vice Rector IV for Research, Innovation, Cooperation, and ITS Alumni Bambang Pramujati ST MSc Eng Ph.D., who accompanied the Minister of Social Affairs explained that the collaboration initiated by the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs was in line with ITS’ slogan, Advancing-Humanity. Through this opportunity, ITS collaborates with Uncen to continue to use technology for humanity in Papua. “The people of Mamberamo Raya are very enthusiastic and fully involved in the technology transfer process during the manufacture of boats and electric motors,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Department of Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding Engineering, Ir Wasis Dwi Aryawan, MSc, Ph.D., who also accompanied him, explained that in the training ITS taught participants to be able to make fiberglass boats from scratch. “Starting from the design stage and calculating the ship’s lines plan, printing the ship with fiberglass material, installing the engine, until the ship is ready for use,” said Wasis.

The doctor who graduated from Newcastle University continued, this community-designed ship was finished in production after going through a process that started from training last November 2021. In particular, this ship is also prepared to be able to sail firmly on the waters of the Mamberamo Raya river. “As a result, the ship will be more robust in operation, but still comfortable to use,” he said.

Furthermore, Wasis explained, ITS also shares a variety of basic knowledge with the community so that they can develop their ships. “In the future, the community can produce their designed ships according to their cargo needs and functions,” he added convincingly.

The ITS Ship Engineering Lecturer hopes that the training that has been carried out can empower the Papuan people. With the expertise they already have, the people of Mamberamo Raya can produce these ships to be used as commodities to be sold. “In addition to community empowerment, this training can also have the potential to create new jobs and improve the economic standard of the surrounding community,” he hoped.

Minister of Social Affairs Dr. HC Ir Tri Rismaharini MT gave a positive response to the results of the Mamberamo Raya community training during the ship’s test, yesterday

The ship, which is the result of the RI Ministry of Social Affairs program, can carry cargo up to 3 tons. In addition, two of the six ships that have been handed over have also received a positive response from the Minister of Social Affairs. “Bu Risma herself has tried to board this ship and felt comfortable during the trial cruise,” said Wasis proudly.

Help Pioneering Uncen’s Marine Engineering Study Program

Witnessed by the Minister of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. HC Ir Tri Rismaharini MT, Vice-Rector IV ITS Bambang Pramujati ST MSc Eng Ph.D. (in blue batik) giving a certificate of fiberglass shipbuilding training to youth in Mamberamo Raya, Papua

Melihat kebutuhan akan tenaga ahli mengenai perkapalan di Papua, Departemen Teknik Perkapalan ITS akan turut mendampingi pembuatan program studi (prodi) Teknik Perkapalan dan Sekolah Vokasi di Universitas Cendrawasih (Uncen). Wasis menyebutkan, para dosen Fakultas Teknik Uncen dapat melanjutkan studinya di Teknik Perkapalan ITS dan berbagi ilmu dengan rekan seprofesi di ITS. “Melihat kebutuhan produksi transportasi laut di Papua, kami ingin tenaga terampil dapat dihasilkan sendiri dari dan untuk masyarakat Papua,” tandas Wasis.

Hal senada diungkapkan Bambang yang berharap bahwa ke depannya Prodi Teknik Perkapalan dan Sekolah Vokasi Uncen ini dapat berperan penting dalam peningkatan kapasitas masyarakat di Papua. “Mengingat peran penting dari transportasi air di Papua, tentu hal ini akan semakin meningkatkan taraf hidup masyarakat dan memberikan kebermanfaatan,” tutupnya optimistis. (HUMAS ITS)

Reporter: Ricardo Hokky Wibisono