UNDIP, Selangor, Malaysia (31/7) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) continues to strengthen its international research networks and collaborations with world-renowned universities. This commitment was demonstrated through the visit of Prof. Ir. Didi Dwi Anggoro, M.Eng., Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng. to Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Selangor, Malaysia, from July 13–17, 2026.
The visit was part of the World Class University (WCU) program under the scheme titled “International Collaboration with Top 500 QS WUR Universities: Research Matchmaking and Collaboration between UPM and UNDIP”. The program is designed to bring together the expertise of researchers from both universities and establish sustainable academic collaborations with tangible impacts.
During the visit, Prof. Didi held discussions and explored potential collaborations with researchers at the Putra Catalysis Science and Technology Research Center, or PutraCAT UPM. The research center is led by Datuk Prof. Dr. Taufiq Yap Yun Hin and specializes in catalysis, sustainable energy, biomass processing, and the development of environmentally friendly fuels.
Prof. Didi also held discussions with the Dean of the Faculty of Science at UPM, Prof. Dr. Nor Azwady Abd. Aziz, regarding opportunities to expand academic and research collaboration between UNDIP and UPM. Prof. Nor Azwady currently serves as Dean of the UPM Faculty of Science.
The visit resulted in several strategic plans, including joint research on methane utilization. This research is important because methane has potential as an energy source and industrial feedstock, yet it is also a greenhouse gas that requires proper management.
Through this collaboration, researchers from UNDIP and UPM will develop technological approaches to increase the utilization value of methane while supporting the development of more efficient and sustainable energy systems.
In addition to joint research, the two institutions plan to co-author scientific articles for publication in reputable international journals. Joint publications are expected to strengthen academic productivity, increase the visibility of research findings, and expand UNDIP scientists’ contributions to addressing global energy and environmental challenges.
The collaboration will also be expanded through staff and student exchange programs, summer courses, and joint community service programs in both Indonesia and Malaysia. These mobility programs are expected to provide opportunities for lecturers, researchers, and students from both universities to exchange knowledge, experiences, and academic cultures.
Another important agenda is strengthening cooperation in the development of Pyrolysis Plastics Oil (PPO), an oil produced through the pyrolysis of plastic waste. The technology development involves UNDIP, UPM, and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM).
This three-university collaboration aims to develop technology to convert plastic waste into energy products with practical value. In addition to reducing plastic waste accumulation, the development of PPO has the potential to offer an alternative approach to waste utilization through circular economy principles and sustainable technology.
UPM is one of Malaysia’s leading public research universities and is ranked 134th in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Collaboration with UPM represents a strategic step for UNDIP to improve research quality, international publications, academic mobility, and institutional reputation as part of its efforts to achieve a position among the world’s top 500 universities.
Beyond improving rankings, this WCU program aims to produce productive and sustainable partnerships. Its success will be measured through the implementation of research projects, joint publications, lecturer and student mobility, international academic programs, and the application of research outcomes to address societal challenges.
Collaboration on methane gas utilization and the conversion of plastic waste into PPO also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 13: Climate Action; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
By strengthening its international networks, UNDIP is committed to ensuring that knowledge does not stop at publication but evolves into innovations that address energy and environmental challenges. This embodies “Noble and Valuable UNDIP” for Indonesia and the world. (Public Communication/UNDIP)
