Universitas Brawijaya (UB) led by the Chancellor, Prof. Widodo, S.Si., M. Si., Ph.D., Med. Sc gave a presentation before the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek), Prof. Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro and the Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, Prof. Rachmat Pambudy, Monday (12/23/2024). In this activity, UB presented its superior research achievements for the development of community-based industry as a manifestation of its strong commitment to support national development.
UB team who accompanied the Chancellor included Prof. Andi Kurniawan, Prof. Setyawan Purnomo Sakti, Prof. Dr. Aulanni`am, Prof. Asfi Manzilati, Prof. Cahyo Prayogo, and Nurman Setiawan Fadjar, S.E., M.Sc. They shared UB’s empirical experience in research, community service, and innovation that has had a real impact at the local and national levels.
This presentation is a forum to discuss various potentials and contributions of UB in supporting government programs, especially in the education, research, and innovation sectors. “With this collaboration, we are optimistic that Universitas Brawijaya through cross-sector collaboration can become a catalyst for development, especially in the Eastern Indonesia region,” said the Chancellor
The Minister of National Development Planning/Bappenas welcomed Universitas Brawijaya’s initiative to establish closer partnerships and expressed appreciation for the various achievements and innovations that UB has made in various fields. Furthermore, he hopes that this collaboration can continue to grow and provide a broad positive impact on society.
Collaboration Towards Sustainable Development
UB explained five leading themes that have become the focus of development, namely Food Security and Sustainability, Health, Social and Economic Resilience, Renewable Energy, and Advanced Materials and Semiconductors, all of which are supported by the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitalization.
First, Food Security and Sustainability. UB develops the concept of sustainable fisheries cultivation, including eco-green aquaculture, recirculating aquaculture system, nanomaterial-based aquaculture, and greenhouse salt tunnel. In addition, organic farming programs, waste utilization, increasing agricultural and livestock yields through superior seeds, and strengthening food security are also the main focuses. UB integrates AI and IoT technology to significantly increase food productivity.
Second, Health. UB contributes to the development of early detection tools for diseases for humans, animals, and plants. Innovations include rapid detection for autoimmune and diabetes, as well as AI-based diagnostic tools. UB researchers are also developing pig DNA detection to ensure product halalness. In addition, UB leads a stunting management program in 381 villages with a community-based approach.
Third, Social and Economic Resilience. UB actively supports village economic development through independent village programs, smart villages, and tourist villages in areas such as Malang Raya, Banyuwangi, NTT, and Papua. In addition, UB plays a role in strengthening regional governance, developing local superior products, and implementing the “Students Build Villages” (MMD) program which has a broad impact.
Fourth, Renewable Energy. In the energy sector, UB develops bioenergy technology, solar power, hydrogen energy, electric vehicles, and batteries. The main focus includes the development of microhydro, biogas, and biomass energy. In 2024, UB will begin implementing hydrogen-fueled vehicle technology, continuing the results of hydrogen energy research initiated since 2021.
Fifth, Advanced Materials and Semiconductors. UB researchers have successfully developed advanced functional materials such as microelectronics, sensors, IoT, mineral-based catalysts, and other nanomaterials. These discoveries have broad applications to support the strengthening of the national industry.
UB’s flagship programs support national priorities such as food security, poverty alleviation, and reducing stunting rates. The Community-Based Industry approach, developed by UB, seeks to create small community-based industries with the support of technology, networks, and standardization. This program also supports the national agenda in the education, energy, and digitalization sectors.
With this audience, UB further emphasizes its position as a strategic partner government in advancing a competitive and sustainable Indonesia. [team/sitirahma/UB PR/ Trans. Iir].
