#UGMPodcast - Energi Terbarukan ala Ahmad Agus Setiawan

Summary

In this engaging podcast episode, UGM researcher Ahmad Agustiawan discusses his journey in renewable energy research and its application in real-world projects. From his academic background in electrical engineering and energy systems to his work on hybrid power systems in remote regions of Indonesia and the Maldives, Agustiawan emphasizes the importance of integrating science and technology into public policy and societal development. His experiences highlight the challenges of implementing sustainable energy solutions in Indonesia's diverse and often underserved regions, showcasing the impact of research in improving local communities and contributing to environmental sustainability.

Takeaways

• 😀 UGM's role in energy research is pivotal in contributing to renewable energy and sustainable solutions in Indonesia.
• 😀 The interviewee, Ahmad Agustiawan, emphasizes the importance of communicating science and technology from academia to the public and policymakers.
• 😀 There is a growing need to utilize renewable energy in Indonesia, especially with the nation's 17,000+ islands and vast energy demands.
• 😀 The research and development in renewable energy aim to address Indonesia’s energy distribution challenges and human development index improvement.
• 😀 The UGM community, especially students, should appreciate their educational opportunities while understanding the responsibility to help those without basic services like electricity.
• 😀 International collaboration plays a key role in advancing renewable energy projects, as seen in Agustiawan's work with professors and projects in Maldives and UNESCO.
• 😀 After disasters like the Aceh tsunami, Agustiawan and his team focused on creating renewable energy solutions that could be applied during humanitarian crises, combining energy and clean water systems.
• 😀 Agustiawan stresses the importance of not only conducting research but applying it practically in the field to solve real-world problems.
• 😀 The need for local solutions, especially in remote or disaster-prone areas, is emphasized, where reliable and sustainable energy systems are crucial for recovery.
• 😀 The role of UGM as an institution goes beyond education and research, contributing actively to the community through projects that align with societal needs, such as energy solutions for disaster recovery.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the podcast episode?

The central theme of the episode focuses on the communication of science and technology from academic institutions, particularly UGM, to the public and policymakers. It emphasizes the importance of utilizing scientific research in decision-making for sustainable development.

What role did Ahmad Agustiawan play in the presidential debate panel?

Ahmad Agustiawan participated as a panelist in a presidential debate, specifically addressing energy and environmental issues. He was involved in formulating key questions and discussions to help evaluate the presidential candidates' views on Indonesia's energy future.

How did Agustiawan get invited to the presidential debate panel?

Agustiawan received an email invitation from the KPU (General Election Commission), which initially seemed suspicious. However, after a series of confirmations, including a phone call, he realized that the invitation was legitimate. He was chosen for his expertise in renewable energy.

What is Agustiawan’s academic and professional background?

Agustiawan holds a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from UGM, with a focus on renewable energy. He continued his studies at the master's level in Energy Systems Engineering and later pursued further research in Australia and Sweden, specializing in renewable energy systems and planning.

What is the significance of Agustiawan’s work on renewable energy in Indonesia?

Agustiawan’s work is significant because it addresses the challenges of energy access in remote regions of Indonesia. His research and projects focus on developing sustainable energy systems using renewable sources like wind and solar power, particularly for small islands and areas that lack reliable electricity grids.

What is the concept of microgrids, and how was it applied in Agustiawan’s projects?

Microgrids are small-scale energy systems that can operate independently or in conjunction with larger grids. In Agustiawan's projects, microgrids were used to provide sustainable energy to remote locations, including a hybrid power system in the Maldives that combined renewable energy sources like wind and solar power with backup diesel generators.

How did Agustiawan contribute to the post-tsunami recovery efforts in Indonesia?

Agustiawan contributed to the post-tsunami recovery by developing energy and water supply systems for affected areas. His team worked on hybrid power systems to provide electricity and reverse osmosis technology to ensure clean water, particularly in areas hit by disasters like the Aceh tsunami.

What does Agustiawan’s involvement in the UNESCO project demonstrate about his work?

Agustiawan’s involvement in the UNESCO project demonstrates his commitment to applying renewable energy solutions in humanitarian contexts. The project focused on using renewable energy for disaster recovery, helping communities affected by natural disasters to regain access to electricity and clean water.

What is Agustiawan’s view on the role of UGM in scientific research and development?

Agustiawan believes that UGM plays a crucial role in scientific research and development by combining academic knowledge with community service. He emphasizes that research should not only remain in the academic sphere but should be applied to real-world challenges, particularly in energy and sustainability.

What challenges did Agustiawan face while working on energy projects in remote areas of Indonesia?

Agustiawan faced significant logistical and infrastructure challenges when working in remote areas. This included traveling by small planes and ships to reach islands, dealing with harsh weather conditions, and overcoming difficulties related to local infrastructure and energy access.