UNDIP, Jember (6/10) – Universitas Diponegoro’s (UNDIP) energy-efficient vehicle innovation has once again demonstrated outstanding performance at the national level. The UNDIP Antawirya Team from the Faculty of Engineering successfully secured two first-place titles at the 2026 Energy-Efficient Car Contest (Kontes Mobil Hemat Energi / KMHE) held at Universitas Jember (UNEJ), achieving high efficiency in the Gasoline Prototype and EV Prototype categories.
The achievements were earned through two flagship vehicles developed by the UNDIP Antawirya Team. Antawirya Rondhan ICE won 1st Place in the Gasoline Prototype category with an efficiency of 1,619.7 kilometers per liter (km/l). Meanwhile, Antawirya Rondhan EV secured 1st Place in the EV Prototype category after recording an efficiency of 880.4 kilometers per kilowatt-hour (km/kWh). These two achievements demonstrate the consistency of UNDIP Faculty of Engineering students in developing competitive vehicle technology with a strong focus on energy efficiency and sustainability.
KMHE 2026 was held from October 1–4, 2026, at the Universitas Jember Circuit and involved 64 teams from 42 public and private universities across Indonesia. The competition featured two main categories, namely Prototype and Urban Concept, with classes including Gasoline MPD, Diesel MPD, Ethanol MPD, and Electric Motor. The competition concluded with a closing ceremony at the UNEJ Auditorium on Sunday evening, October 4, 2026.
In-Depth Research and Technical Refinement by the UNDIP Antawirya Team
General Manager of the UNDIP Antawirya Team, Muhammad Iqbal Hardadi, a 2024 Mechanical Engineering student at the Faculty of Engineering, commonly known as Boby, said that the achievement was the result of extensive preparation that combined research, direct testing, data analysis, and driving strategy. A total of 32 team members were directly involved during KMHE 2026.
“We not only conducted paper research, but also spent a great deal of time in the garage and laboratory carrying out test drives. Every trial became a source of data for identifying shortcomings, conducting evaluations, discussing improvements, and determining the most optimal driving strategy,” Boby said.
The improvement in vehicle performance was supported by several interconnected technical refinements. The UNDIP Antawirya Team developed a new body that was lighter and more aerodynamic, reducing air resistance. The chassis and steering system, including the frame and bearings, were also optimized to minimize mechanical friction, allowing the wheels to rotate more smoothly. Further improvements were made through precision tune-ups of the gasoline engine and electric motor controller so that fuel and battery power could be used more efficiently.
Another challenge came from the undulating characteristics of the Universitas Jember Circuit. Five race attempts were used to study the track while refining the team’s strategy.
Each lap became an opportunity to evaluate driving patterns, vehicle settings, and energy utilization. This data-driven approach enabled both Antawirya vehicles to record the best efficiency figures while securing the top two podium positions in their respective categories.
Support from UNDIP Faculty of Engineering Toward the Global Stage
Dean of the Faculty of Engineering UNDIP, Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamari, S.T., M.T., IPU., ASEAN Eng., expressed his appreciation for the hard work of the UNDIP Antawirya Team, which was built through cross-study-program collaboration. The Faculty of Engineering remains committed to supporting students’ research needs, particularly in developing environmentally friendly technologies, while encouraging the team to continue innovating for upcoming competitions.
“We are proud of the achievements of the UNDIP Antawirya Team and will continue to support the development of student research. However, the team must not become complacent. Antawirya must continue working hard, innovating, and preparing for the next agenda, including the 2027 World Championship Shell Eco-marathon. This achievement is a source of pride for the Faculty of Engineering, UNDIP, and Indonesia, and can also inspire future generations to produce even greater innovations,” Prof. Jamari said.
The UNDIP Antawirya Team’s next step will focus on further developing Rondhan ICE to make it more competitive globally. A comprehensive evaluation of KMHE data will serve as the foundation for improving the vehicle’s technology, strategy, and performance.
For UNDIP, this achievement is not merely a victory on the track, but also part of higher education’s contribution to advancing transportation technology that is more energy-efficient and sustainable. This spirit is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 on Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 13 on Climate Action. Through student innovations that address future challenges, UNDIP continues to reaffirm its commitment to being a university that is noble and valuable to society, the nation, and the world. (Public Communication/UNDIP/DHW)