From May 15 to 17, 2024, the Faculty of Engineering at Universitas Indonesia, in collaboration with Petrosea, showcased their collaborative bus project at Busworld Southeast Asia 2024 at Jakarta International Expo (JIEXPO), Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. The event was attended not only by bus manufacturing companies but also by manufacturers of spare parts, components, accessories, technology, and bus maintenance. Busworld Southeast Asia 2024 featured over 58 participants from six countries.
The Faculty of Engineering at Universitas Indonesia (FTUI) was represented by the Research Center for Advanced Vehicles (RCAVe) and Petrosea, displaying a bus converted from diesel to electric power (from a fuel-based vehicle to an electric vehicle). The RCAVe team was led by Prof. Dr. Ir. Feri Yusivar, M.Eng., Head of RCAVe, accompanied by Dr. Abdul Muis, S.T., M.Eng., a Control Expert, and Dr. Ir. Aries Subiantoro, M.SEE. The Petrosea team included Sahala Sigalingging, ST. MSc., Head of the EV Department at Petrosea, and Imanul Ilmi, ST., EV Development Superintendent at Petrosea.
At the exhibition’s opening, the Minister of Transportation, Budi Karya Sumadi, visited the FTUI Electric Bus booth. He inspected the bus and discussed it with Prof. Feri Yusivar and Shala Sigalingging, inquiring about the retrofit bus costs and encouraging the continuation of the electric bus conversion collaboration between academia and industry by FTUI and Petrosea.
Prof. Dr. Ir. Feri Yusivar, M.Eng., expressed high hopes for the future of electric vehicle research. “We hope not only to continue this research but also to see significant advancements in technology development. With consistent and innovative efforts, we believe that the research outcomes can make a tangible contribution to the industry. The implementation of electric vehicle technology in the industry will be a step forward in achieving energy efficiency and environmental sustainability,” said Prof. Feri. “Collaboration between academics, researchers, and industry players is crucial to realizing this vision,” he added, emphasizing the importance of synergy in creating impactful innovation.
“We hope that the presence of this bus will not only inspire the public to adopt electric vehicles but also encourage local developers and industries to continue innovating and developing environmentally friendly technologies. This initiative can become a significant milestone in realizing more sustainable transportation in Indonesia,” said FTUI Dean, Prof. Dr. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU., stressing the importance of collaboration and support from various parties to achieve this vision.
The bus brought by RCAVe UI is a converted bus from diesel to electric power. It is the third bus made by RCAVe and the first resulting from collaboration with Petrosea. Currently, this bus is the only converted bus in Indonesia that can operate. Its control system is the work of FTUI researchers, led by Dr. Abdul Muis, S.T., M.Eng., a Lecturer and Control Expert from the Department of Electrical Engineering at FTUI. The bus, which has undergone operational trials covering a distance of over 400 km, is expected to become an operational vehicle on the Universitas Indonesia campus as well as for urban use.
Exhibition visitors were very enthusiastic about the presence of the UI Electric Bus. They not only boarded the bus but also asked various questions to the researchers and students present, ranging from technical specifications to the development process of the vehicle. This enthusiasm reflects the public’s pride and appreciation for the innovative work of the nation’s youth, which has great potential to transform the transportation landscape in Indonesia. The exhibition serves as evidence that domestic products have strong competitiveness and can attract wide attention, inspiring the younger generation to continue innovating.
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Public Communications Office
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia
