Join International Summer Course, Chemical Engineering Students Learn Bioethanol Production to Food Fermentation

The Chemical Engineering Study Program of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) hosted an International Summer Course titled “Spending One Week to Learn Biotechnology in a Broader View” from November 21 to 26, 2022.

The event drew international students from 15 countries, fromThailand, Sierra Leone, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Uganda, and beyond. In addition to international participants, the course welcomed UMS Chemical Engineering students who served as student buddies throughout the event. This initiative also aimed to enhance international exposure for local students.

This International Summer Course offers UMS students a comprehensive understanding of bioethanol production, the application of essential oils in promoting health and wellness, and food fermentation techniques. The course structure encompasses both theoretical classroom sessions and practical industry visits, including:

1. PT Acidatama to learn firsthand about bioethanol production
2. Rumah Atsiri to learn about essential oils
3. PT Cimory to learn about food fermentation

The course featured a distinguished panel of speakers with expertise in their respective fields, including Prof. Kun Harismah, Ph.D.; Dr. Akida Mulyaningtyas, S.T., M.Sc.; Dr. Agung Sugiharto, S.T., M.Sc.; apt. Andi Suhendi, M.Sc.; and Aristya Hendo Pratama, S.T., (a practitioner from PT Acidatama). 

Beyond the academic content, the course also immersed participants in Javanese culture, particularly that of Surakarta. This included batik making at Batik Mahkota Laweyan, as well as visits to the Mangkunegaran Palace and the Gedhe Kauman Mosque.

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid