UNAIR NEWSÌý“ The academic communityÌýof 51¶¯ÂþÌý(UNAIR) has once again demonstrated its excellence on the international stage.ÌýThis time, it was the work of lecturer fromÌýÌý(FST), Prof. Dr. Retna Apsari MSi, who wonÌýthe Best Community Engagement ProjectÌýaward at theÌýInternational Conference on Academic-Community EngagementÌý(InACE).ÌýThe event took place on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, and Wednesday, August 30, 2023, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
In an interview, Prof. Retna said that she was carrying out a project calledÌýSolar Dryer Dome as One of Solutions of Applicable Technology for Fisherman Community in Pengudang Village, Teluk Sebong District, Bintan Regency.
Prof. Retna conveyed her team consisting of three FTMM UNAIR lecturers.ÌýThey are Rizki Putra Prasetyo SSi MT, Prisma Mengantoro SSi MT, and Yoga Uta Nugraha ST MT.ÌýAlso, two lecturers at the Faculty of Engineering,ÌýÌý(UMRAH), Anton Hexso Yunianto ST MSi and Tonny Suhendra ST MCs.ÌýStudents of FTMM and FT UMRAH were also involved in this project.
Fish dryer equipment
Prof. Retna’s team’s project is a tool for drying fish caught from the sea that utilizes heat from sunlight.ÌýThe box–shaped toolÌýproduces steam, which is channeled out by a fan in the device.ÌýThe solar dryer domeÌýalso has a 300 W solar panel to power the fan.
“With this tool, fishermen do not need to worry about their catch getting wet if it rains, and it is also protected from insects. So, product hygiene is well-maintained,” said Prof Retna in an interview with UNAIR NEWS.
“Furthermore, this tool also implements the use ofÌýrenewable energyÌýas a substitute for fossil fuels,” she added.
Although the availability of components for making tools is limited, the team has to look for other alternatives.ÌýInstead of giving up, the team that Prof. Retna led succeeded in winning theÌýBest Community Engagement Project Award.ÌýProf. Retna was happy with the idea of ‹‹her team getting an A in the field ofÌýinternational-scaleÌýcommunity development.
“This tool is a contribution of FTMM working on answers to SDGs challenges, especially SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and 13 (Climate Action).ÌýI hope this tool will be able to make the fish drying process more efficient,” Prof. Retna expressed her hopes for the technological innovation created by her team.
“With good communication with fishermen, this product can be maximized to become an appropriate product that is more efficient and effective, especially for Bintan Island fishermen and other fishermen in Indonesia,” said Prof Retna at the end of the interview session. (*)
Author: Aidatul Fitriyah
Editor: Binti Q Masruroh
