The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI) along with eight science faculties from other leading universities, four scientific associations, and three BRIN research organizations, established the Materials Science Development Consortium. (Consortium on Material Science Development/CMSD) which aims to align research programs and collaborations. This strategic alignment is designed to create strong synergies, strengthening collective capabilities and impacts in the Materials Science space.
CMSD itself is a collaborative initiative formed as an effort to advance research, application, and education in the field of Material Science in Indonesia. CMSD combines expertise from various research institutions, universities, and industries to create sustainable innovations and solutions.
CMSD was formed in response to the richness of Indonesia’s very diverse mineral resources. Along with the issuance of the Decree of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Number 296.K/MB.01/MEM.B/2023 which stipulates the Types of Commodities Included in the Critical Mineral Classification, awareness of the importance of critical minerals is increasing.
The consortium focuses on collaborative educational programs, including workshops, and information exchange initiatives, as well as partnering with local industry for technology transfer and the development of innovative material solutions.
The official CMSD launch was conducted online on Saturday (30/12/2023). In this launch, a consortium coordination unit was formed, whose members were appointed by each institution. The unit is responsible for executing policies set by the Consortium Presidium.
In the near future, the consortium coordination unit will report the development of standards, guidelines, SOPs, and other supporting documents, to the Consortium Presidium, to be established as the consortium management tool.
As one of the founders of CMSD, Dean of FMIPA UI Prof. Dede Djuhana, Ph.D. said that FMIPA UI together with other institutions in the consortium, is committed to overcoming global challenges, while utilizing local potential, increasing Indonesia’s scientific and technological capacity in the international arena.
“By involving various related parties, we are optimistic that this collaboration will produce innovations that can become solutions in advancing the steps of developing, processing, and utilizing critical minerals and natural resources in Indonesia in general,” said Prof. Dede.
Currently, continued Prof. Dede, FMIPA UI is the only science faculty in Indonesia that holds Masters and Doctoral programs in Materials Science. So it is expected to produce graduates who excel in the field of materials science, especially in encouraging the utilization of critical minerals and natural resources.
The CMSD Presidium’s first step in policy advocacy was manifested in a proposal letter to stakeholders, such as ministries, industry, and funding agencies. The letter emphasized the need for an open grant program focused on advancing research and development in enhancing the value of Indonesia’s critical mineral resources and the natural resources sector more broadly.
The proposed grant is open not only to consortium members but also to universities and other institutions throughout Indonesia. The grant is intended to encourage innovation and broader development in the field.
CMSD’s commitment to innovation and educational excellence is evident in ten key areas. These include the establishment of state-of-the-art laboratories for research in nanotechnology, biomaterials, and sustainable materials, as well as initiatives to reduce emissions using Indonesia’s natural resources.
The key to sustainable initiatives is to engage in environmentally friendly research and promote the use of bio-based materials. CMSD in this regard emphasizes the importance of international collaboration, community engagement, and policy advocacy to advance global partnerships and improve public understanding of Materials Science.
