Depok, June 26th 2023. Universitas Indonesia (UI) is collaborating with PT Honda Prospect Motor (HPM) to create an environmentally friendly, green and sustainable campus ecosystem. This collaboration was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the development of education and research in the field of electrification technology, which was carried out by Rector of Universitas Indonesia, Prof. Ari Kuncoro, S.E., M.A., Ph.D.; President Director of PT HPM, Kotaro Shimizu; and Senior Vice President Director of PT HPM, Benawati Abas.
As a follow-up to this collaboration, on Monday (26/6), at the UI Convention Center, Depok Campus, UI and PT HPM carried out a procession of handing over Honda products which will be used to support learning and research activities at UI. At the event, UI received 1 unit of EV charging station which was used to charge the Honda e battery and 1 unit of Honda Brio as research material for UI Faculty of Engineering students. In addition, UI also received several products lent by Honda to support mobility and learning activities within UI, including 2 units of Honda e electric cars, 1 unit of Honda PCX Electric motorcycle, and 1 unit of Honda’s LiB-AID E500 power product.
Vice-Rector for Human Resources and UI Assets, Prof. Dr. Ir. Dedi Priadi, DEA, in his speech said that UI is aware of the importance of creating an environmentally friendly campus. The use of electric vehicles in the campus area is one of the efforts made as it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create better air quality, and save energy. In addition, UI also builds electric vehicle charging infrastructure, encourages research and development of electric vehicle technology, and supports innovation initiatives in the use of renewable energy.
“UI is campaigning for an educational program about the benefits of electric vehicles, energy conservation, and environmental sustainability to their academic community. By collaborating with government and industry partners, UI develops policies that support the use of electric vehicles on campus. We hope that this effort can create a campus that is sustainable and environmentally friendly, as well as making a positive contribution in overcoming climate change and preserving the environment,” said Prof. Dedi.
In line with UI, Honda has a global vision to create a net zero emission society by 2050. This seriousness is proven with Honda e:Technology that creates products with electrification technology. Kotaro Shimizu said, “PT HPM and UI have the same vision in creating an eco-friendly and sustainable ecosystem. This collaboration is a bridge between industry and academia in realizing electrification in Indonesia through education and research. We have a goal of reducing environmental impact and providing sustainable solutions for society and future generations.”
Apart from receiving products for learning and research, as part of knowledge transfer, UI students will receive educational classes and workshops for three years at HPM. This lesson is intended to support UI students in energy-efficient vehicle design activities. In this regard, Honda was the main sponsor for the UI Supermileage Vehicle Team (UI SMV Team) which won the Shell Eco-Marathon event at the Mandalika Circuit, Lombok. This year, Honda once again supported the UI SMV Team at the event which will be held on 4–9 July 2023.
The collaboration between UI and PT HPM is one of UI’s efforts to increase its position in the UI GreenMetric ranking. UI is expected to increase energy efficiency efforts in buildings, nature, and resources. According to Expert Member of UI GreenMetric, Prof. Ir. Gunawan Tjahjono, M.Arch., Ph.D., university policy in limiting the number of motorized vehicles is needed, one of which is through the use of electric vehicles and bicycles to encourage a healthier environment and reduce carbon footprint.
