To date, Indonesia still utilizes and imports synthetic dyes for textiles in large capacity. On the other hand, Indonesia boasts a cultural tradition of employing natural dyes, known for their significant benefits to bodily well-being. In addition, Indonesia also has abundant natural resources and biodiversity—the source of raw material for natural dyes, although unfortunately so far it has not been well-exploited. On the other hand, the era of globalization is marked by the existence of free markets in the world, the place where all products are superior, competitive, and use environmentally friendly technology. Products with natural dyes can meet such specifications, thus having a promising opportunity to compete in the world market. Therefore, efforts to produce and recycle natural dyes are imperative to minimize the usage of hazardous synthetic dyes and reduce the importation of synthetic colorants.

There are four key factors for sustainable economic development, namely: 1) investment or capital; 2) human resources; 3) natural resources; and 4) technology. When compared to such factors, it can be said that the natural dye industry in Indonesia is very strong in factors 1 to 3. Nevertheless, there remains one factor that needs to be enhanced in the context of the production of natural dyes, which is the pillar of technology.

The multidisciplinary researchers of natural dye UGM united at the Indonesia Natural Dye Institute (INDI UGM). The existence of this institution is intended to contribute to the improvement of the pillar of technology for the production of natural dyes. INDI UGM has a vision of becoming a means and reference for education, research, development, and the procurement of natural dyes for healthy (human-environment) and prosperous (economically independent) Indonesia. INDI UGM has received appreciation from many parties, among them is consolidation as the Center of Excellence of IPTEKS Colleges (PUI-PT) in the field of natural coloring by DIKTI (2021-2023), as well as consolidation as UNESCO Chair on Research and Education of Local Natural Dyes (April 2023).

The INDI UGM institute is currently engaged in research and development endeavours pertaining to a machine known as GamaWarni, designed for the utilization of natural dyes. The research has two long-term objectives, namely: 1) can be produced with a standard natural dyeing on a commercial scale that is competitive with synthetic dyes; and 2) can apply natural dyeing on the scale of the craftsman (manual) and industrial (mechanical). The specific objectives of this research are to produce natural dyes suitable for dyeing fabrics and threads with machines, compile the specifications of the natural dyes, make a machine for dyeing fabric and thread with natural dyes, apply the natural dyes to manual dyeing in textiles and thread, and obtain HKI on these research results.

The research is scheduled to span a duration of three years, guided by the background, objectives, and directives outlined by Rispro Commercial. The stages of activity in the three years are as follows: 1) making a fabric dyeing machine with natural dye with reference to the manual-dyeing technique and mechanization studies carried out in the partner industry; 2) measuring and testing the quality and speed of production with testing criteria based on the quality of the coloring product, the speed of the production, and the ease of workers in the operation of the machine; 3) perfectioning the machine that has been produced and tested to meet the quality parameters of the product; 4) testing the machine and natural dyes produced by one of the industries owned by H&M’s partner; 5) making manuals and complete specifications for the machine and natural dyes; 6) compiling certification documents for natural dyeing and the machine; 7) obtaining patents and scientific publications; 8) compiling marketing cooperation documents; 9) compiling production and marketing documentation of natural dyeing and the machine; and 10) products and natural dyeing machine launching.

To achieve such purposes, a multidisciplinary research team is formed, which consists of: 1) the Chemical Engineering Study Program of UGM with specialization in the production of natural dyes and dyeing technologies; 2) the Mechanical Design and Machinery Study Program of ATMI Solo Polytechnic with specialization in mechanical engineering and workshop management; as well as 3) the Engineering and Industry Engineering Study Program of UGM with industrial-ergonomic and productivity engineering specialization. On the other hand, the selected industry partners are: 1) PT ATMI Solo which is engaged in precision parts, machinery, sheet metal fabrication, and special purpose machine and will produce machines; 2) H&M Puls Trading Far East Ltd as one of the largest fashion companies in the world; and 3) Wanabakti Nusantara Housing Cooperative (KPWN).

The funding source of this research is the Educational Fund Management Institution (Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan; LPDP) in the scheme of Innovative-Productive Research (Riset Inovatif-Produktif; Rispro) Commercial, the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia.

If the assessment of this research is predicated upon its outputs, it can be asserted that the objectives set for the first, second, and third years have been achieved. Nevertheless, when gauged in terms of broader-scale impacts or outcomes, one might discern that this endeavor remains incomplete and requires further assiduous efforts. It is undeniable that the fashion industry, significantly affected during the pandemic, continues to grapple with challenges. Despite the pandemic transitioning into an endemic phase, the global crisis stemming from the Russia-Ukraine war has ushered in a deceleration in the pace of the fashion industry. Consequently, it is anticipated that this current condition will soon abate, facilitating the recovery of the fashion industry both in Indonesia and worldwide.

GamaWarni has been launched, downstream, and used with hopes of accelerating the revival of natural dyes in Indonesia for the actualization of a generation that is healthy and independent of dyes. Establishing a collaborative and mutually beneficial partnership encompassing various stakeholders within ABCGM (Academician, Business, Community, Government, and Media) requires dedicated effort and steadfast commitment, as this undertaking is inherently challenging.

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Research Identity

Research Title:
The Mechanization of Fabric and Thread Coloring Technology with Natural Dyes as a Means of Accelerating Natural Dyeing Applications

Research Group :
Prof. Dr. Ir. Edia Rahayuningsih, MS., IPU
Bayu Prabandono, S.T., M.T. 
Ir. Rini Dharmastiti. M.Sc. PhD 

Initiator:
Universitas Gadjah Mada

Partner:
PT ATMI Solo, H&M Group, dan KPWN

Funding Source:
Riset Inovatif-Produktif (Rispro) Komersial Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP), Kementerian Keuangan Republik Indonesia

Image sources: Aaron Burden on Unsplash

The h-index is a metric used to assess the impact of a scientist’s research publications within their respective field of expertise. This metric is influenced by two factors: the number of scientific papers published and how frequently these publications are cited by other researchers. It can be seen as a convergence point between the productivity of scientific publications and the quantity of usage of a scientist’s work in the publications of other scholars, which means a higher h-index signifies a greater academic influence for a professor or researcher.

The h-index also serves as a tool to measure the influence and impact of academic publications produced by professors or researchers. Therefore, professors and researchers strive to increase their h-index value through various means, including increasing the number of citations for their published scientific works and collaborating with other researchers to produce new publications. Both of these methods are considered quite effective in boosting the h-index value. Based on data from Scopus as of August 28, 2023, the top 100 authors from UGM with the highest h-index rankings are as follows:

Writers: Kiki & Syahrul

On Friday, August 25, 2023, the Directorate of Research of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a Focus Group Discussion on the Preparation of Intellectual Property (IP) Curriculum Supporting Modules, with the theme, “Current and Future Issue Terkait Hak Kekayaan Intelektual Pelindungan Varietas Tanaman” (Current and Future Issues Related to Intellectual Property Rights in Plant Variety Protection).  This activity was one of a series of activities in the preparation of supporting IP modules, in a collaborative effort between Universitas Gadjah Mada and the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DJKI) of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia. The purpose of this activity was specifically to enrich knowledge and provide insight and understanding related to plant variety protection (PVP), and support the enrichment of PVP module material.

The FGD began with remarks from the Director of Research of UGM, Prof. Dr. Mirwan Ushada, S.T.P., M.App.Life.Sc. In his speech, Prof. Mirwan expressed his gratitude to the Directorate General of Intellectual Property for its collaboration with UGM in the preparation of the IP modules. This year, UGM has conducted two major collaborations that not only support downstream commercialization but also the upstream. Said Prof. Mirwan: “Research results support the development of knowledge sharing, increase competitive human resources, and support the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045.” Before ending his remarks, Prof. Mirwan expressed his hope that the various parties in attendance share their experiences, ideas, and input, so as to support the Current and Future Issues Related to Intellectual Property Rights in Plant Variety Protection, as the basis for making IP curriculum modules in the PVP field.

The speech was followed by Erni Purnamasari, S.H., M.H., as the Coordinator of Intellectual Property Empowerment. Erni said that in DJKI there is an activity agenda in the form of IP Academy, where an MOU has been signed between DJKI and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This FGD activity is expected to provide input on modules supporting the IP curriculum, especially in the field of PVP as support for the IP Academy, which should ultimately provide national benefits.

The FGD continued with a discussion on Current and Future Issues Related to Intellectual Property Rights in Plant Variety Protection, delivered by the Head of the Center for Plant Variety Protection and Agricultural Licensing (PVTPP), Dr. Ir. Leli Nuryati, M.Sc., and Ir. Ayub Darmanto, the Managing Director of PT. Primasid Andalan Utama. The discussion session was moderated by Dr. Panjisakti Basunanda, S.P., M.P., lecturer from the Faculty of Agriculture, UGM. On this occasion, Leli conveyed several strategic issues related to PVP, including the need for regulatory alignment, namely the suitability of the latest regulations with the needs and developments of the times. It is important to implement adequate legal protection for business actors in the seed industry, in addition to more concrete steps to ensure conducive legal handling. Harmonization of the PVP System at the international level is also needed, by developing a consistent and standardized system across jurisdictions. This can support the facilitation of cross-border trade, protecting IP more effectively and strengthening international cooperation in the field of IP. Indonesia plans to become a member of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), so there needs to be synergy and collaboration with all stakeholders, as well as harmonizing Indonesian Law No. 29 of 2000 and the 1991 UPOV Convention. “Harmonization of PVP has many benefits, but its implementation at the international level can be very complex due to differences in socio-economics, culture, legal systems, and national interests,” said Leli. At the end of the discussion, Leli further explained that the PVTPP will encourage Indonesia to prepare to become a member of UPOV. Leli also hoped for cooperation from various parties, especially from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.

In the second session, the discussion was led by Ir. Ayub Darmanto on several matters related to problems that occur in the field. Some of the problems that are often encountered are the propagation of varieties that have received PVP rights by irresponsible parties, or as was said by Ayub, “The use of varieties that have received PVP rights to create new types of superior varieties.” The unauthorized use of male/female parents to produce hybrid derivatives is a problem that is not uncommon in the seed industry. As a business entity that employs breeders, the seed industry can also have protection rights over new and superior varieties that have been produced. Along with the development of new varieties that already have PVP rights, various concerned parties will also get economic rights in the form of royalties on these new varieties. With the existence of PVP protection, new superior varieties will be easier to socialize in all agricultural sectors, so as to attract many parties to invest. On this occasion, Ayub proposed that the implementation of the New, Unique, Uniform, and Stable (BUSS) test could be carried out simultaneously with the variety release test to save costs. In addition, DNA marking is needed to anticipate if there is a claim against varieties that have received a PVP certificate. “It would be nice if the PVTPP could bridge parties if there is a dispute over varieties that have received a PVP certificate,” said Ayub. Finally Ayub conveyed that for beginner breeders, support should be given in the form of exemption from annual fees for 3 years, starting from the issuance of the PVP certificate.

Penulis : Baskara Wismarizqa
Foto      : Regita Cahya Santi

Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/ywqa9IZB-dU

The credibility and relevance of researchers is reflected by many indicators, one of which is the number of citations or citations as references to other research. The more a scientific article is cited shows that the publication is read and used by other researchers. This, of course, also has a good impact on UGM’s reputation as a world-class research university.

Based on data from Scopus as of August 22, 2023, the UGM publication with the most citations was “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): An overview of viral structure and host response,” with a total of 628 citations. This article was written by a lecturer from the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics FKKMK UGM, and published in the journal, Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research and Reviews, which has a CiteScore of 15.4 and h-index of 71.

The full list of the ten-most cited articles can be found in the table below;

Sumber: Data Scopus Diolah (2023)
Penulis: Kiki & Syahrul

Universitas Gadjah Mada has received a government mandate to carry out research and development of an electric train specifically for the airport area. This vehicle is named GATe (Gadjah Mada Airport Transporter Electric). The GATe vehicle has the capacity to carry as many as 5 passengers and one driver with a maximum speed of 25 km/hour. This vehicle is based on electricity with energy stored in batteries, with a drive motor of 4000 watts. The cruising ability of GATe is about 50 km and can be extended with higher battery specifications.

This research began with a market survey of electric vehicle needs at the airport, followed by the development of several vehicle designs, and finally the production of the one currently in use. The initial prototype of two units was revealed on National Technology Day on August 10, 2019. In the following year, the prototype was developed into a product that is used by end consumers, namely airport managers. In 2020, three units were successfully made and used at Soekarno Hatta Airport and one unit at Yogyakarta International Airport. This product order was sponsored by the Minister of Transportation with the hope of encouraging the development of domestic electric vehicles.

In 2022 and 2023, the research was devoted to preparing for initial production. During this period, production documents, plant design, supply chain supporting production components, and production facilities were prepared. The product distribution network to end consumers was also prepared. Facilities for initial production were completed, with a production target of 10 units ready for market. At this time, there are already seven units of the vehicle completed.

On this occasion, the GATe product was inaugurated to be included in the e-catalog by the Director of LPDP Research Facilitation, the Rector of UGM, the Director of Research and the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, and Cooperation of the Faculty of Engineering. The E-catalog is an electronic information system that contains lists, types, technical specifications and prices of certain Goods/Services from various Government Goods/Services Providers. With the inclusion of GATe products in the e-catalog, consumers such as government institutions will be able to order and buy this product easily. Hopefully the UGM team’s electric vehicles will be more successful in the future and provide benefits to many parties.