Thursday (8/8) The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, collaborated with BASF, a world-leading chemical company, inspiring elementary school students to explore the wonders of the world of chemistry in everyday life through the BASF Kids’ Lab on 8-10 August 2019, at the Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory Building, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia – PT. Pertamina Persero, UI Depok Campus.

Agus Ciputra, President Director of BASF Indonesia, said that this activity was the first time BASF had collaborated with universities in Indonesia.

“BASF Kids’ Lab invites children to explore chemistry using interactive and fun methods, thereby fostering an interest in science and an appreciation for chemistry in everyday life from an early age,” said Agus Ciputra.

“We are proud to collaborate with the University of Indonesia to foster children’s curiosity in science. This activity helps prepare them to keep up with the rapid developments in science and technology in Indonesia and around the world,” he added.

Echoing Agus, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Abdul Haris, Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, welcomed the collaboration between the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, and BASF. In his remarks, Prof. Haris stated that the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, has produced many creative and innovative graduates who are able to compete professionally.

“Together with BASF, we introduce chemistry to elementary school students at an early age so they realize how interesting it is to learn. It’s incredibly memorable and enjoyable to remember that chemistry is always present in our daily lives, even without us realizing it,” said Prof. Haris.

During his remarks, Prof. Haris also included interactions with the elementary school students, such as asking about things around us made from chemicals and the changes in the world that occur due to chemical reactions. Chemistry isn’t limited to test tubes and laboratories.

“So, chemistry is all around us, close to our daily lives. Even when our little ones are hungry or crying, chemical reactions occur,” added Prof. Haris.

This year, approximately 800 elementary school children will conduct safe and simple chemistry experiments guided by UI teachers and students, as well as a number of volunteers from BASF staff. This year’s Kids’ Lab experiments include Red Cabbage Indicator, Where is the Vitamin C?, and Paper Chromatography.

BASF Kids’ Lab is a free, interactive chemistry education program for children aged 6-12. Through engaging, safe, and fun experiments, the program helps children understand the role of chemistry in everyday life. Since its launch in Germany in 1997, BASF Kids’ Lab has been implemented in more than 30 countries worldwide. In Indonesia, approximately 9,000 children have participated since its introduction in 2005.