The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI) is exploring a research collaboration with Bridgestone Corporation in the development of elite rubber trees as a source of sustainable tire raw materials. This collaboration initiative is part of a joint research project that also involves Yokohama City University and Maebashi Institute of Technology.
The exploration of this collaboration was discussed in a meeting between FMIPA UI and the Research Department of Bridgestone Corporation, held on Tuesday (16/12) at the UI Depok Campus. The meeting focused on exploring potential research collaborations in the rubber sector, particularly the development of elite rubber trees as producers of natural rubber for the transportation industry.
The Vice Dean of FMIPA UI for Academic Affairs, Research, and Student Affairs, Prof. Anom Bowolaksono, Ph.D., welcomed the collaboration initiative. In his remarks, he stated, “We welcome this collaboration and hope it can be realized soon. We view this partnership as aligned with our vision to build collaborations with industrial companies, particularly major corporations such as Bridgestone Corporation.”
Meanwhile, the Manager of the Agriculture and Biotechnology Research Section at Bridgestone Corporation, Dr. Yosuke Ando, noted that Indonesia has great potential for the development of rubber research.
“Indonesia has significant potential in terms of rubber plantation land and the rubber industry. We believe that UI and FMIPA are very suitable partners for research on rubber trees. In addition, this collaboration is expected to strengthen scientific cooperation between Japan and Indonesia,” he said.
A researcher from the Department of Biology, FMIPA UI, Dr. Retno Lestari, S.Si., M.Si., added that research on rubber trees not only contributes to the development of tire technology, but also has the potential to deliver direct benefits to rubber farmers. According to her, this research is expected to create social benefits for the community.
FMIPA UI and Bridgestone Corporation expressed their commitment to follow up on this initiative as an initial step toward a long-term partnership in the sustainable rubber research and industry sector.
From Bridgestone Corporation, General Manager Toshihiro was also in attendance. Meanwhile, representatives from FMIPA UI included the Vice Dean for Resources, Venture, and General Administration, Prof. Dr. Ivandini Tribidasari Anggraningrum, S.Si., M.Si.; the Manager of Research and Community Engagement, Dr. Dipo Aldila, S.Si., M.Si.; as well as several research team members from the Department of Biology.
