Jakarta, Kemendikbudristek - Aligned with its mission to address the global energy crisis, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), through the Center for Excellence in Science and Technology (PUI) at the Balai Pengembangan Teknologi Iptek (BPTI), has organized the Energy Efficient Car Contest (KMHE) 2023. KMHE is a national-level vehicle design competition that prioritizes fuel efficiency.
The KMHE 2023 is now entering its final round, scheduled to take place offline from October 27 to November 3, 2023, at the Ancol Carnaval Area. A total of 60 teams, comprising 600 participants from 42 universities across Indonesia, have successfully advanced to the final round. Their progression was the result of a series of rigorous selection processes, including administrative evaluations, design reports, and virtual technical inspections.
Rifqi, a finalist from the Tawang Alun Community at the University of Jember, expressed, “We developed this car to tackle the challenges posed by the global energy crisis. With its engine and design, our car is optimized for minimal fuel consumption.”
Continuing with the Tawang Alun team, Nur Hasanah, the designated driver, shared that driving this self-assembled car has been an unforgettable experience, despite certain limitations in visibility and the turning radius.
After securing second place in the KMHE 2022 held in Surabaya, the Tawang Alun team has reclaimed the title in the prototype car category. Having implemented several enhancements for the KMHE 2023, Rifqi and the team are confident in their ability to clinch the championship title.
At KMHE, there are two primary categories: prototype and urban concept. The prototype category features futuristic vehicles with specialized designs optimized for maximum efficiency. On the other hand, the urban concept category includes four-wheeled vehicles that resemble conventional cars and are suitable for use on highways. Each category is further divided into four classes of driving machines, namely Gasoline Internal Combustion Motor (MPD), Diesel MPD, Ethanol MPD, and Electric Motor.
Hailing from Central Sulawesi, the Authoritarian U-DV Tadulako team from Tadulako University has been a regular participant in the KMHE since 2013. As the team manager, Dion Patra proudly introduced their urban concept car, Kalibamba.
"I am delighted to have qualified for the final stage. Despite the challenges faced, including the difficulties in procuring tools and materials for car assembly in Sulawesi," shared Dion.
Dion further expressed his aspirations to develop an improved car and compete with other campuses in Java, extending their goals even to the international level.
Additionally, the finalist team from Gadjah Mada University, represented by Semar, is competing simultaneously in two car categories, namely prototype and urban concept. Elaborating on their car, team manager Mo explained, "In line with the energy-saving competition, we have endeavoured to design the car with optimal aerodynamics, thus minimizing fuel consumption."
He expressed that his involvement in the energy-efficient car community stemmed from a desire to contribute to the preservation of national energy security through the promotion of renewable energy in Indonesia.
The implementation of KMHE aims to provide a platform for engineering students across Indonesia to apply their academic knowledge. It also encourages them to enhance their creativity, discipline, and proficiency in constructing vehicles that are not only safe and economical but also environmentally friendly.
"Competitions and research initiatives focused on energy efficiency, such as KMHE, hold significant importance, especially when accompanied by adequate infrastructure support. I hope that such research endeavours can be sustained and further developed in Indonesia," stated Mo.