Jatinangor, April 1, 2026 – Two students from the Library and Information Science Study Program at Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad), Iwan Ridwan Ramdani and Irfan Fransisco, have achieved a significant milestone by passing the selection for Unpad’s 2026 Internal Student Creativity Program (PKM) League. Joining a cross-disciplinary team alongside Fatih Harsya (Agrotechnopreneur) and Daryl Yudhopatria (Physics), they submitted an Innovative Work Student Creativity Program (PKM-KI) proposal focused on modernizing local food production.
The proposed innovation is titled “Transformation of Kemplang Tunu Production through Microcontroller-Based Smart Rotary Roaster: A Solution for Capacity Enhancement and Quality Standardization of South Sumatran Local Products.” This work aligns with the primary PKM theme of Independence in Food, Energy, and Water. Through this technology, the team aims to transform the traditional manual kemplang roasting process into a more systematic and measurable operation to support the sustainability of community-based businesses.
The primary focus of the Smart Rotary Roaster development is to address limited production capacity and inconsistent product quality often encountered in traditional methods. The integration of a microcontroller is expected to significantly increase time and energy efficiency while ensuring the quality standards of kemplang tunu remain consistent. This technological solution is projected to strengthen the competitiveness of local products in a broader market.
The team’s journey toward this success was not without administrative and technical challenges. Iwan Ridwan Ramdani shared that they initially hesitated due to demanding academic schedules, various competitions, and involvement in several committees. However, the drive to gain experience and the learning process became the team’s core motivation to consistently complete the proposal without over-expectations in the early stages.
This success was fully supported by guidance from academics within the Unpad community. The team expressed their deep appreciation to Dr. Saleha Rodiah, Head of the Library and Information Science Study Program, for her moral support, and to Mr. Andri Yanto, M.I.Kom., as the supervising lecturer who provided technical direction with great patience. The unwavering support from Mrs. Fitri Perdana, M.I.Kom., and Mrs. Evi Nursanti Rukmana, M.I.Kom., was also a key factor in facilitating access and maintaining the team’s morale throughout the drafting process.
Advancing through the Internal League is seen as the first step in a long journey ahead. Following the approval of this proposal, the team is committed to continuously refining their innovation to create a real impact on society, particularly for kemplang artisans in South Sumatra. This achievement further proves that interdisciplinary collaboration can produce applicable solutions for local food industry challenges.
Authors: Iwan Ridwan Ramdani and Irfan Fransisco
