UNS – Three Centers for Science and Technology (PUI) in Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, earn grant funds from the Minister of Education and Culture (Kemendikbud) the Republic of Indonesia. The three PUI were the Center for Lithium Battery Study (PUI Baterai Lithium), Chaired by Prof. Agus Purwanto, Center for Javanologi Study (PUI Javanologi), Chaired by Prof. Sahid Teguh Widodo, and Center for Fintech and Banking (UNS Fintech Center), Chaired by Irwan Trinugroho, Ph.D.
The Vice-Rector for Partnership and Planning Affairs, Prof. Sajidan, states that in order for the three to pass the selection and earn the grant funds from the Kemendikbud RI, they have to compete with other PUI from other universities in Indonesia. Out of 25 PUI that passed the administrative selection, 15 are chosen to earn the funding from the Kemendikbud RI.
“From the 15 PUI, three PUI from UNS earn the grant funds. We are extremely grateful for the establishment of these PUI. These PUIs are highly specific and are the only ones,” explains Prof. Sajidan, Wednesday (15/7/2020).
Prof. Sajidan hopes that these PUI can be the driving force for UNS towards World Class University (WCU). Currently, the government put a great attention to the development of lithium batteries. The Center for Lithium Battery Study (PUI Baterai Lithium) has collaborated with both governmental institutions and private institutions in the development of Lithium batteries. This collaboration is expected to be a means for commercializing lithium batteries.
“The commercialization of Lithium Battery, hopefully, can be a Revenue Generating factor for UNS,” he adds.
Meanwhile, the Rector of UNS, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho, is greatly appreciating the three PUI in UNS. “As for contract signatory, it will be held on Thursday (16/7/2020), tomorrow,” he said.
The Chair of the Center for Javanologi Study (PUI Javanologi), Prof. Sahid Teguh Widodo, states that the funding will motivate PUI Javanologi to keep working. Firstly, it will show the society that PUI Javanologi UNS becomes community information and referral center, secondly, it will become a cultural agent, and the last it will be the center of the Diaspora.
“In the future, we will activate Javanese Diaspora and then targeting the young Diaspora, as well as establishing a relationship with the industry,” Prof. Sahid reveals.
Whereas, the Chair of the Center for Fintech and Banking (UNS Fintech Center), Irwan Trinugroho, Ph.D., states that the UNS Fintech Center has some activities in educating the society regarding innovations in technology-based financial service. “Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, this education was held through webinars. For UNS students who are interested to learn more about technology-based financial service innovation, they can learn in UNS Fintech Center,” Dr. Irwan explains.
With the funding, Dr. Irwan hopes to further strengthen the existence of the Center for Fintech and Banking (UNS Fintech Center). “We will always enhance the collaboration with external parties,” he declares. Humas UNS
Reporter: Dwi Hastuti
