The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI) is exploring a strategic partnership with PT Bumi Suksesindo (BSI), a gold and copper mining company operating at the Tambang Emas Tujuh Bukit in Banyuwangi, Jawa Timur. The exploratory meeting was held in the Dean’s Office at FMIPA UI on Wednesday (11/2), led by the Dean of FMIPA UI, Prof. Dr. Tito Latif Indra, S.Si., M.Si., together with PT BSI representatives, including Roelly Fransza, General Manager of Operations, as well as several FMIPA UI professors, including Prof. Dr. Drs. Suryadi, M.T.
“This collaboration opens opportunities for FMIPA UI to make a tangible contribution to mining technology research and educational development in the areas surrounding the mine. We want students and faculty to be directly involved in research that is relevant to the industry,” said Prof. Tito.
During the meeting, both parties discussed various potential areas of collaboration, ranging from technology research and community service to student programs and the establishment of a national geometallurgy expert forum. PT BSI is currently developing Deep Sea Tailings Placement (DSTP) technology, a method for disposing of mining waste in the form of sludge to the seabed at depths exceeding 200 meters, which is considered more appropriate than conventional methods. FMIPA UI is seen as capable of supporting this research through cross-departmental collaboration, including programs in Geology, Geophysics, Geography, and Marine Sciences.
Roelly emphasized that the company is open to synergy with academics. “We hope this collaboration will go beyond research and also have a positive impact on the surrounding communities and human resource development. FMIPA UI has the capacity to produce innovations that can be applied at our mine,” said Roelly.
In addition to research, the discussion also covered educational programs aimed at increasing interest among the youth around the mine in pure sciences and mining-related fields. Internship and practical course programs were considered quick and easily implementable steps, following the successful model already practiced by the Faculty of Engineering UI.
Additionally, the establishment of a Geometallurgy Forum was proposed as an advisory body to provide strategic recommendations for PT BSI and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (KESDM), with the initial step being a National Geometallurgy Seminar to strengthen the network between academics and industry practitioners.
PT BSI has previously established various collaborations with educational institutions, including the Faculty of Medicine UI (FK UI) for public health research, Politeknik Negeri Banyuwangi for internship programs, and the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya (FPIK Universitas Brawijaya) for marine research. The company also regularly runs scholarship programs for children living in communities surrounding the mine.
With the existing MoU between PT Merdeka Copper and Gold Tbk. and Universitas Indonesia, a more specific cooperation agreement between FMIPA UI and PT Bumi Suksesindo is expected to strengthen the contribution of academics in mining technology development, education, and community empowerment in Indonesia.
