Sumedang, May 23, 2026 – The Student Creativity Program (PKM-KI) team from Padjadjaran University has successfully secured funding for 2026 through a proposal entitled “Transforming Kemplang Tunu Production through a Microcontroller-Based Smart Rotary Roaster: A Solution for Capacity Building and Quality Standardization of Local Sumatran Products.”
The team is led by Irfan Fransisco from the Library and Information Science Study Program, with members Iwan Ridwan Ramdani from the Library and Information Science Study Program, Fatih Harsya Ramadhan Dirgantara from the Agrotechnopreneur Study Program, Daryl Yudhopatria Adinegara from the Physics Study Program, and M. Rafi Aulia Amrullah from the Food Technology Study Program.
The proposal addresses the theme of Food, Energy, and Water Independence, which is one of the focuses of the Student Creativity Program. This team was also the only Padjadjaran University team to receive funding for the 2026 PKM-KI program.
The innovation they developed stemmed from the problem of kemplang tunu production, which is still largely done manually. This manual process results in limited production capacity, inconsistent quality, and suboptimal use of time and energy.
By developing a microcontroller-based Smart Rotary Roaster, the team proposed a technological solution that can make the kemplang tunu roasting process more efficient, measurable, and consistent. This tool is designed to shorten production time while increasing production volume compared to manual roasting.
Furthermore, this innovation is expected to support the standardization of kemplang tunu product quality and strengthen the sustainability of community-based local food businesses. Although the target partners or MSMEs are still being determined, this initiative is aimed at providing tangible benefits to kemplang tunu entrepreneurs in Sumatra.
The team leader, Irfan Fransisco, stated that this success was a very surprising and proud moment for the team. “Honestly, we still can’t believe we’ve been awarded funding, especially as the only team from Padjadjaran University to qualify for the 2026 PKM-KI category. When we opened the announcement and saw the many messages from friends and lecturers sharing the news, we were shocked and moved. Our wait, long process, and hard work have finally paid off,” said Irfan.
Irfan also added that securing funding isn’t the end of the journey, but rather the beginning of a greater struggle toward the next stage. “We still have a long way to go to get to PIMNAS. We hope those around us will continue to support us, pray for us, and support us on this journey,” he added.
Team member Iwan Ridwan Ramdani also expressed his feelings about this achievement. “Honestly, I still can’t believe we’ve been awarded funding. Finally, our wait and hard work have paid off. There’s still a long way to go to get to PIMNAS. I hope those around us will always support us,” said Iwan.
The team would like to express its appreciation to Mr. Andri Yanto, our supervisor, for his guidance, mentoring, and support throughout the proposal development process, leading to its successful funding. We also extend our gratitude to Ms. Vira Kusuma Dewi, who provided support throughout the mentoring process prior to the proposal submission stage.
The team believes that Ms. Vira Kusuma Dewi’s presence has been an inspiration, reflecting her resilience, caring, and dedication in guiding students to continue growing and boldly developing innovative ideas. We also extend our gratitude to all the lecturers who have provided constant prayers and support.
With this innovation, the team hopes that the Smart Rotary Roaster will not only be a technological masterpiece but will also have a tangible impact on local businesses, particularly in improving the productivity, quality, and competitiveness of traditional Sumatran food products.
Writers: Irfan Fransisco & Iwan Ridwan Ramdani
