The Sumatra Institute of Technology (ITERA) has cooperated with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in order to develop education in Indonesia. As a follow-up to the cooperation between the institutions, the ITERA Food Technology Study Program (PSTP) visited and explored cooperation with the BRIN Research Center for Food Technology and Processes in Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta, on 25 October 2022. The PSTP lecturers were very warmly welcomed by Dr. Ade Chandra Iwansyah, M.Sc, an associate expert researcher, along with several other researchers. PSTP and PRTTP BRIN discussed cooperation opportunities that can be pursued between the campus and the research agency. Prior to the visit to BRIN, PSTP had already carried out several collaborations with BRIN, such as inviting BRIN speakers for SG and research collaboration funded by ITERA GRANT with PRTPP BRIN researchers.
PRTPP BRIN has 3 strategic activity targets. The first target is the revitalization of food security (stunting), focusing on research on fortification and biofortification of food ingredients, exploration of local ingredients rich in Fe, Zn, Ca, and protein, and diversification of food and beverage products based on local ingredients. The second target concerns processed food packaging, with research focus on commercial sterile packaging, preservation with new technologies, and edible/active/smart/degradable packaging. The last strategic target is halal research, focusing on rapid and easy halal detection, product substitution for halal assurance, and exploration of marine resources for food.
Dr. Ade said that the initial collaboration is very good to be developed further into other forms of cooperation. There are many cooperation opportunities that can be pursued between PSTP and PRTPP BRIN. The discussion material presented by PRTPP BRIN explained several programs, among them that students can take part in an MBKM internship program at BRIN Gunung Kidul for approximately 6 months, conduct research, and receive a talent scholarship from BRIN. Students interested in joining MBKM activities and final project internships at PRTPP BRIN can register at https://elsa.brin.go.id/. In addition, students can also receive a Talent Scholarship covering tuition fees (UKT) and research costs from BRIN, on the condition of joint research publication. After graduating, students can also register as research assistants at BRIN. This shows that there are many opportunities that students can explore. In addition, PSTP will also collaborate in the future by bringing in practitioner lecturers from PRTPP BRIN (ZAT).
