Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) has further affirmed its presence on the international stage after being entrusted to serve as the main venue for hosting ABU Robocon 2027 in Indonesia. This trust was marked by the official handover of the ABU Robocon host flag from Hong Kong to Indonesia during the closing ceremony of ABU Robocon 2026.
The Director of UMS's Directorate of Student Affairs and Talent-Innovation Development (DKPTI), Ahmad Kholid Al Ghofari, S.T., M.T., said this moment marks an important step for UMS in demonstrating its capacity to support the development of robotics innovation and technology at the Asia-Pacific level.
"UMS will not only provide the venue, but will also take on a role in ensuring the competition runs according to international standards," Kholid said in an interview on Monday (24/8/2026).
According to him, being entrusted as the ABU Robocon 2027 venue also opens up an opportunity for UMS to strengthen Indonesia's position within the global robotics research and technology ecosystem. Hosting this international competition is expected to help build an even stronger academic atmosphere, while also inspiring students and the younger generation to develop a culture of research, creativity, and technological innovation.
"UMS is fully ready, both in terms of campus infrastructure, human resources, and technical planning. After seeing ABU Robocon's operations in Hong Kong firsthand, we're even more confident we can host the competition to international standards," Kholid said.
He explained that the UMS delegation traveled to Hong Kong not only to take part in the ABU Robocon 2026 event series, but also to conduct observation and field study on the governance and organization of international robotics competitions. During the visit, UMS gained a direct look at the technical standards for the competition arena, cross-country robot logistics management, broadcasting systems, arena security, and services and accommodations for foreign contingents.
The UMS delegation consisted of the Vice Rector for Education, Student Affairs, and Talent-Innovation Development of UMS, Prof. Ihwan Susila, Ph.D.; the Director of UMS DKPTI, Ir. Ahmad Kholid Alghofari, M.T.; and the Head of the Sub-Directorate for Innovation Talent and Achievement, Ir. Muh. Al Fatih Hendrawan, M.T. All three took part in the full series of activities while also carrying out coordination as part of preparations for hosting the next edition of ABU Robocon.
While in Hong Kong, UMS representatives observed the entire flow of the competition, which featured 16 participants from 15 countries across the Asia-Pacific region. The delegation also held coordination meetings with the organizers of ABU Robocon 2026, Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), as well as the ABU Robocon committee.
Kholid explained that during the flag-handover ceremony, UMS acted as Indonesia's official representative, standing in for TVRI as the host broadcaster of ABU Robocon 2027. Receiving the host baton from Hong Kong also affirmed UMS's readiness to serve as the main venue for the competition the following year.
A number of aspects are now becoming the focus of UMS's preparations, from providing a hall or venue that meets ABU Robocon's robot arena specifications, to setting up technical and broadcasting systems. UMS will also carry out intensive coordination with TVRI regarding requirements for live broadcasting, high-speed data networks, and other technical needs.
In addition, logistical readiness is an important area of focus, particularly regarding the shipment of robots from various countries, accommodations, transportation for the contingents, security, medical services, and accessibility throughout the event. UMS will also prepare a local organizing committee and volunteers to professionally support international participants.
UMS hopes that hosting ABU Robocon 2027 can position Indonesia as a friendly and professional host, while also further strengthening UMS's reputation in the development of innovation talent and technology. The flag handover ceremony to Indonesia took place at the Awarding Ceremony and closing of ABU Robocon 2026 in Hong Kong on Sunday (23/8/2026), as part of the series of ABU Robocon activities held from 20 to 25 August 2026.
Writer: Yusuf Ismail
Editor: Maysali Sudarwati
Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid
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