ITB's Rector: Doing Research About Alternative Energy is Not Too Hard

By Edo Belva

Editor Edo Belva

BANDUNG, itb.ac.id - ITB's rector, Prof. Akhmaloka said that doing research about alternative energy from academic point of view is not too hard. "We might make it," he said it as he opened the gas conversion seminar at Aula Barat ITB, Tuesday (23/02/12).

Despite the fact, Akhmaloka said that the problem arose when that research's results are difficult to sell. In case of alternative energy source as vehicle's fuel, he said that alternative energy still costs more than conventional gasoline used nowadays. This leads to difficulties in alternative energy development by researchers.

Compared to other countries, gasoline price in Indonesia is relatively cheaper. In foreign countries, alternative energy researches tend to success because it cost cheaper than gasoline.

"In Indonesia, gasoline is cheaper because the government subsidizes it," said Akhmaloka.

When giving opening speech in the seminar, Akhmaloka also noted that the day's discussion will found more details in the technical point of view, policies, and readiness in practical levels.

"At least, this discussion can widen our knowledge," said Akhmaloka. He hoped that the knowledge which was gained from this seminar will be spread to the society.

He also hoped that the discussion's results can be used as an input to the government as the decision- and policy-maker.

In the seminar, ITB's rector and Geological Council Head also signed the petition between ITB and Geological Council's Dr. Sukhyar about student's human resources improvement through researches.