The annual International Seminar, organized by Chemical Engineering ITB, serves as a platform for discussions among Chemical Engineering experts and pays homage to Prof. Soehadi Reksowardojo for his contributions to the development of Chemical Engineering science in Indonesia.

In 2023, the Chemical Engineering ITB Study Program collaborated with the Food Engineering as well as the Bioenergy and Chemurgy Engineering Study Programs, resulting in the theme "Back to The Root, Sustainably Feeding the Future: Establishing the Role of Process Engineer to Build a Sustainable Future for The Food Industry.

"The event featured six speakers divided over two days, attracting researchers and students alike. On the first day (21/11/2023), participants heard from Deputy for Economics of Bappenas, Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, S.T., M.Si., M.Eng., Ph.D., Prof. Dr. Ir. Lienda Aliwarga, M.Eng. from Food Engineering ITB, and Business Leader at Kemenady Co Creation Center, Ir. Eddy Kemenady, M.M., M.P.

The second day (22/11/2023) featured Professors from the School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Prof. Chen Wei Ning, William, Mike Suzuki from the Collaborative Control Working Group at Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association, and Prof. Dr. Ir. Yazid Bindar, M.Sc., Ph.D., from Bioenergy and Chemurgy Engineering ITB.

ITB Vice Rector for Research and Innovation, Prof. Ir. I Gede Wenten, M.Sc., Ph.D., delivered a speech and inaugurated the event. Prof. Wenten praised the annual event from Chemical Engineering ITB, running since 1991, consistently addressing global problems in each era.

In 2023, global food issues emerged as a significant challenge. According to the European Commission's Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operation Department (DG ECHO), 238 million people in 48 countries will face a food crisis in 2023, marking a 10% increase from 2022.

With the growing population and limited food availability worldwide, exacerbated by factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic, conflicts, and climate change, a dialogue among researchers is essential to formulate new strategies and technologies for maintaining national food security and safety.

Prof. Wenten emphasized, "Through research and innovation in technology, we can unlock the key to developing the national food industry."

Dr. Ir. Dianika Lestari, S.T., M.T., the Chief Executive of STKSR 2023, highlighted Indonesia's abundance of food resources but stressed the need to focus on developing the domestic food industry to address the ongoing global food crisis.

One avenue for development is the fertilizer industry in agriculture, utilizing natural gas in the process. To support sustainable and clean energy, fertilizer production can shift towards using biomass.

Chemical Engineering science plays a crucial role in increasing the utilization of biomass for both food and non-food purposes. By fractionating the components of food ingredients, such as oil, fat, protein, carbohydrates, and antioxidants, added-value food ingredients can be produced.

"The food industry is highly complex, requiring competent engineering processes to meet consumer needs and adapt to uncertain environmental changes in the future," explained Dr. Lestari.

As food is a fundamental human need, its resilience in the industry is paramount. It is hoped that through STKSR 2023, innovative solutions can be developed to enhance industrial resilience, advance food technology, and mitigate the global food crisis.

Reporter: Pravito Septadenova Dwi Ananta (Teknik Geologi 2019)

Translator: Anggi Nurdiani (Manajemen, 2021)