The Faculty of Science and Mathematics (FSM), Universitas Diponegoro, through the Center for Plasma Research, held a Public Lecture entitled “Indonesian Plasma Research Consortium (IPRC) Development: Toward National Plasma Technology Sovereignty and Global Competitiveness” on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the 6th Floor Hall of the Acintya Prasada Building, FSM Universitas Diponegoro.
This activity was part of the Indonesian Plasma Research Consortium (IPRC) agenda series held from April 14 to 17, 2026. The series of activities included collaborative discussions between FSM UNDIP and Bursa Uludağ University, the signing of a cooperation agreement, a sharing session with the Center for Plasma Research team, a corona experiment for plasma agriculture, public lectures, an industrial profile presentation, and a visit to PT Dipo Technology.
In his remarks, Dr. Eng. Adi Wibowo, S.Si., M.Kom., Vice Dean for Resources of FSM UNDIP, who attended on behalf of the Dean of FSM, stated that the activity served as an important opportunity for students and the academic community to broaden their knowledge of plasma technology. He emphasized the importance of a strong fundamental understanding as a foundation for students to develop themselves, open academic and professional opportunities, and contribute to the advancement of plasma research and technology in the future.
The first session featured Prof. Dr. Kadir Çavdar from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bursa Uludağ University, Türkiye, with the topic “Applications of Atmospheric Plasma in Polymer Adhesion and Ozone Sterilization.” In this session, Prof. Kadir discussed the utilization of atmospheric plasma in surface engineering, particularly to improve adhesion in polymer materials. One of the focuses discussed was polypropylene (PP), a thermoplastic material widely used in the automotive industry, including in bumpers, interior components, body panels, fuel systems, and vehicle trim parts. Despite its advantages in terms of strength, heat resistance, chemical resistance, and low production cost, polypropylene has low surface energy, which often limits its performance in painting, coating, and adhesive applications.
Through the presentation, participants gained insights into the development of a primerless painting method for polypropylene components, namely a painting process without the use of a primer layer by utilizing surface activation. Prof. Kadir explained that surface modification can be carried out through several methods, such as plasma activation, flame activation, corona discharge, and other activation methods. Plasma treatment on polymer surfaces can alter the chemical composition and morphology of the surface, form polar functional groups, and increase surface energy, thereby improving paint adhesion. This method is considered important because it can simplify the production process, reduce processing time and material consumption, decrease solvent use, and support efficiency and sustainability in the automotive industry.
The next session featured Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nur, DEA, Professor at the Department of Physics, FSM UNDIP, and Head of the Laboratory Central for Plasma Research, with the topic “IPRC Development: Toward National Plasma Technology Sovereignty and Global Competitiveness.” In his presentation, Prof. Muhammad Nur explained the strategic role of cold plasma technology in various fields, including health, food, environment, agriculture, and fisheries. He also explained that plasma is the fourth state of matter after solid, liquid, and gas, consisting of ions, electrons, excited molecules, atoms, and free radicals. At the Center for Plasma Research UNDIP, the development of cold plasma technology includes corona plasma, dielectric barrier discharge plasma, double dielectric barrier discharge plasma, plasma jet, and radio frequency plasma.
Prof. Muhammad Nur also highlighted the downstreaming journey of cold plasma technology at UNDIP, which has been initiated since 1998 and has developed into various products based on plasma ozone technology. These products and applications include medical ozone generators, corona plasma-based air purifiers, ozone technology for postharvest horticultural handling, wastewater treatment based on nano-micro bubble ozone, and ozone applications for fisheries. He further explained that plasma ozone technology has the potential to help extend the shelf life of horticultural products, reduce microbial contamination, and reduce pesticide residues in certain products. This development is also related to SNI 8759:2019 on postharvest horticultural product storage using ozone technology, which serves as one of UNDIP’s contributions to national technology standardization.
After Prof. Muhammad Nur’s session, the activity continued with a presentation by David Setiadhi, Ph.D. candidate in Mechanical Engineering at Bursa Uludağ University, Türkiye, with the topic “Bursa’s Industrial Heritage and Mertay Makina’s Engineering Journey.” This session provided an overview of Bursa as a historical, cultural, and industrial center in Türkiye, while also introducing the role of Bursa Uludağ University in supporting research, innovation, technoparks, and collaboration between universities and industry. Through this presentation, participants gained insights into how academic and industrial ecosystems can be interconnected to strengthen technology development and international collaboration.
The final session featured Azwar Awanta, S.E., M.M., President Director of PT Dipo Technology, with the topic “Company Profile of PT Dipo Technology.” In his presentation, Azwar introduced the role of PT Dipo Technology as an industrial partner in the development and downstreaming of plasma technology. The presence of PT Dipo Technology demonstrated the importance of collaboration between universities and industry so that research outcomes can be developed into innovative, applicable, useful, and competitive products.
Through the organization of the Indonesian Plasma Research Consortium, FSM UNDIP reaffirmed its role in supporting the strengthening of a leading research ecosystem in the field of plasma technology. This activity served not only as an academic forum, but also as a collaborative space for researchers, students, international partners, and industry in promoting national plasma technology sovereignty. As part of the activity series, on Friday, April 17, 2026, participants will visit PT Dipo Technology. The visit is scheduled to include an introduction to the wastewater treatment system, a pilot-scale OKA room, and the development of medical ozone. This agenda is expected to provide a concrete overview of the application of plasma and ozone technology on an industrial scale, while strengthening synergy between university research and applied technology needs.