Depok, June 10, 2022 – The national development of electric vehicles for the creation of the automotive industry in the homeland holds significant strategic value, considering that transportation is vital as an economic driver. The mastery of automotive technology needs to utilize local raw materials as much as possible to achieve industrial independence.
The execution of the G20 Presidency is a pivotal moment for Indonesia to demonstrate its commitment to reducing emissions using environmentally friendly technology like electric vehicles. As a realization of this commitment, during the G20 Presidency, Indonesia will be supported by electric vehicles produced in the country. One such electric vehicle used for G20 transportation is a large-sized electric bus resulting from research conducted by the Research Center for Advanced Vehicles at the University of Indonesia (RCAVe-UI) and PT Mobil Anak Bangsa (PT MAB), funded by LPDP through the Productive Innovative Research (RISPRO) program.
This electric bus is the culmination of approximately 10 years of extensive research covering the chassis platform, propulsion system, braking system, control system, inverter, dashboard, and air conditioning system. The process undertaken has yielded not only tangible physical products but also invaluable intangible outputs and outcomes, including the development of electric vehicle researchers comprising lecturers, undergraduate and postgraduate students, intellectual property, institutional capacity enhancement, among others.
Presently, the UI Electric Bus is ready for type testing and will be utilized to support the G20 activities in Bali in October 2022. The ceremonial handover of the UI Electric Bus to the Government of Indonesia took place on Friday, June 10, 2022, at the UI Convention Hall and continued with the electric bus trial at the Rotunda Field of the University of Indonesia. The Symbolic Handover of the UI Electric Bus to support the implementation of G20 in Indonesia was conducted both virtually and in person and was attended by:
- Minister of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia, Ir. Budi Karya Sumadi
- Rector of the University of Indonesia, Prof. Ari Kuncoro, S.E., M.A., Ph.D.
- Chief Executive Officer of the Education Fund Management Institution, Andin Hadiyanto, M.A., Ph.D.
- Minister of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, represented by the Director General of Metal, Machinery, Transportation Equipment, and Electronics Industry (Dirjen ILMATE), Dr. Ir. Taufik Bawazier, M. Si
- Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, Nadiem Anwar Makarim, B.A., M.B.A, represented by the Director of Research and Community Service (DRPM) of the Ministry of Education and Culture.
- Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency, Dr. Laksana Tri Handoko, M.Sc, represented by the Head of the Energy and Manufacturing Research Organization, Dr. Haznan Abimanyu, Dip. Ing.
- Chief Executive Officer of PT Mobil Anak Bangsa, Kelik Irwantono.
During this event, the Chief Executive Officer of LPDP reiterated the commitment to continuously support the downstreaming of strategic research, especially concerning electric vehicles, in order to introduce environmentally friendly modern products created by the nation's children. The Chief Executive Officer of LPDP hoped that the financial support from LPDP and the contributions of all parties would create a tangible impact in supporting the innovation ecosystem in Indonesia.