The Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia (FTUI), and the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) held a collaborative meeting on Monday (17/11) to discuss strategic opportunities for cooperation in education, research, and human resource development. The meeting was attended by FTUI representatives—Dr. Sahlan, Prof. Fitri Yuli Zulkifli, and Andika—as well as representatives from Kemenhub, including the Head of Finance Administration, Mr. Aris, Ms. Desi, and the relevant technical team.
The meeting was opened by Dr. Sahlan, who expressed his appreciation for the commitment of both institutions to establish long-term collaboration. “We hope this meeting will serve as a foundation for strategic cooperation that provides tangible benefits for the development of engineering education and the national transportation sector,” he stated.
During the presentation session, Kemenhub introduced the Vehicle Testing and Certification Center (VTCT), the oldest technical unit within the Directorate of Land Transportation, which supervises approximately 74 motor vehicle inspectors across various regions. VTCT facilities include indoor and outdoor testing areas (proving ground), technical services for the automotive industry, a carousel workshop for vehicle design inspections, and various vehicle testing laboratories. Key services include type testing for the issuance of Type Test Certificates (SUT), conversion and modification testing, prototype testing, periodic sample testing, and CO₂ emission testing.
Furthermore, Aris, Head of the Crash Test Laboratory, explained the advanced facilities owned by Kemenhub, including a high-speed track, a dynamic area for stability control testing, a low-friction braking facility, a noise emission loop, and front and side crash test facilities. He also outlined plans for constructing a new proving ground under a PPP scheme, which is projected to be the largest in Southeast Asia with an approximately 3.5-kilometer track. “We hope these facilities can be widely utilized by academics, including students and researchers from FTUI,” he added.
The meeting continued with a presentation on FTUI’s Engineer Professional Program (PPI) delivered by Prof. Fitri Yuli Zulkifli. She explained that PPI is a national mandate that grants the professional title of Engineer (Ir) upon completion of 24 credit units. Through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme, participants may complete the program in one semester if their portfolio meets the requirements. “PPI offers opportunities for Kemenhub to strengthen the competencies of technical personnel through a professional pathway and adaptive curriculum,” said Prof. Yuli.
Kemenhub also opened access to its research facilities for FTUI, covering statistical automotive research, emission testing, driving cycle studies, electric vehicle testing, as well as maritime and aerospace assessments. The discussion further addressed opportunities for academic cooperation such as single-degree master’s programs, joint research, and the development of more specific derivative agreements tailored to academic and technical needs. FTUI responded positively and emphasized the importance of research synergy between academia and the transportation sector.
In a session involving the FTUI Career Development Center (CDC), Kemenhub also offered regular internships and practical work opportunities for FTUI students. Posters and program information will be distributed through CDC channels, with the ideal placement period being June to August.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties agreed on several follow-up actions, including the appointment of joint persons-in-charge (PICs), drafting new collaboration agreements, exploring research programs and the use of the proving ground, and preparing derivative cooperation documents. A follow-up visit by FTUI to Kemenhub facilities will also be scheduled in the near future.
Through this meeting, FTUI and Kemenhub reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening long-term collaboration in research development, professional education, and human resource enhancement. “We hope this cooperation will yield a significant impact in strengthening national transportation technology and enhancing the capacity of Indonesia’s engineering talents,” concluded Sahlan.
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Public Communication Office
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia
