Bandung, Telkom University – Telkom University as the no.1 private university in Indonesia continues to actively improve quality in achieving Research and Entrepreneurial University. This is reflected in the activities carried out in achieving this vision. In contributing to the country, Telkom University creates a superior next generation for the nation.
Collaborating with the Indonesian Chancellors’ Forum (FRI), Telkom University held a Live Webinar with the theme ‘Sustainability Energy and Excellent Human Resources for Advanced Indonesia’. This activity was held on Tuesday (17/11) through the ZOOM Meeting and Telkom University YouTube channel.
This activity was attended by Rectors from various Indonesian universities, academics, lecturers, and students. Also present were speakers, namely Ir. Munir Ahmad as Secretary of the Director-General of Electricity and Andriah Feby Misna, S.T., M.T., M.Sc as Director of Bioenergy, Renewable and Energy Conservation (EBTKE).
Prof. Dr. Adiwijaya as the Rector of Telkom University explained that the current disruption is much influenced by the digital world. Digital Connectivity and Digital platforms are meaningless if there is no energy.
“If we look at the energy outlook in Indonesia from 2019 to 2022, it is very important for every university to have research, to be able to collaborate to build innovations so that it can benefit this nation. Of course, it is hoped that independence can be jointly supported and we can make it happen. Insha Allah, with this meeting we can inspire each other, especially to make Indonesia better, “he said.
Prof. Dr. Arif Satria as Chair of the Indonesian Chancellors Forum also explained that food, energy, and water are global issues and this activity was held to examine the main issues in creating sustainable energy properly. Higher education has a big duty to encourage the creation of innovations.
“Leaps of innovation can occur if we are oriented towards future practices, something completely new. And I am sure that in higher education there are people who have a very strong growth mindset so they can come up with future practices.
Prof. Dr. Arif also said that the Indonesian nation would become a very big nation if we focused on future practices, not based practices. If we only focus on based practices, we will only imitate other people and become followers, whereas if we are present with future practices we will become leaders and even trendsetters of change.
Prof. Dr. Arif Satria added that through this activity we as a university will continue to encourage and inspire in discovering new things, especially in the energy sector. With adequate human resources and existing demographic bonuses, Indonesia will advance in full force.
Dr. Ego Syahrial as Secretary-General of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources who was present as the Keynote Speaker at this activity explained that the advancement of technological civilization and lifestyles as well as economic growth has caused energy demand to continue to increase. Therefore, the government is obliged to provide energy in sufficient quantities, equitable, affordable, and accessible to all levels of society to create a just energy.
“Utilization of energy currently still relies on fossil-based energy, part of which is still subsidized by the government and most of it comes from imports. Indonesia has energy resources including oil and natural gas, although these resources have not been fully converted into reserves, ”he said.
Indonesia has an abundance of new and renewable energy of 417 GW consisting of oceans, natural gas, bioenergy, wind, hydro, and solar which have only been utilized by 2.5 percent. Also, Indonesia has abundant mineral resources, even having no nickel reserves. 1 in the world.
Dr. Ego Syahrial also said that currently, the government is focusing on the downstream industry because it can reduce energy imports. Moreover, Indonesia is a country rich in natural resources such as bauxite, coal, oil palm, and fish.
“The downstream coal industry to become Dimethyl Ether will reduce the import of millions of tolls for liquefied petroleum gas or LPG every year. Currently, the government has a B20 program which is a mixture of diesel and palm oil content, which will be upgraded to the B30 program in 2020. Jokowi is targeting the manufacture of B100 as domestic use of energy. ”
Dr. Ego Syahrial added that the total energy supply is greater than demand and energy surpluses occur in coal and gas, while oil, fuel, and LPG are still in deficit. Future energy policies focus on the availability of energy for national development through priority policies for domestic, downstream to increase added value and increase production.
“By holding this activity, I hope that it can open our minds to face the challenges of energy and mineral energy sources today, especially for academics and industrial entrepreneurs.”