On Progress
Background
Since 2018, academic activities involving interactions across various engineering disciplines have been initiated at the Faculty of Engineering Universitas Indonesia (FTUI) with the launch of the Master’s Program in Energy Systems Engineering (TSE) and the Professional Engineer Program (PPI). In 2021, the interdisciplinary Master’s Program in Urban and Regional Planning (PWK) also began accepting students.
In addition, FTUI also currently hosts seven interdisciplinary research centers. Various interdisciplinary education and research activities require integrated spaces, facilities, and infrastructure—hence, the development of advanced labs and the IDE building was carried out to meet these needs.
Activities
This building is equipped with advanced labs designed to support interdisciplinary research in various fields: energy research managed by the Institute for Energy Transition (IET), biotechnology managed by the Institute for Biosystems and Bioengineering (IBB), and urban and regional planning managed by the Institute for Urban Planning and Smart Cities (IUS). In addition to research facilities, the building also features amenities such as meeting rooms, an auditorium, and an exhibition space to host a variety of non-research activities.
Advanced laboratories
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Biological Systems Engineering Lab (BSEL) is a research laboratory dedicated to the modeling of biological system interactions. It is equipped with advanced hardware, including servers, workstations, and state-of-the-art biomedical equipment, as well as continuously updated software. This facility supports research in biological system modeling, bioinformatics, and genetic engineering. Researchers at BSEL are engaged in efforts to discover treatments for various emerging diseases and to enhance the efficiency of biocatalysts for green synthesis applications. The laboratory is partitioned into two distinct sub-laboratories: Biomolecular Modeling and Computational Bioprocess (BMCB) Sublab and Biomedical Robotics, AI, and Neuroengineering (BRAIN) Sublab.
The Advanced Bioindustrial Engineering Laboratory (ABEL), integrated with the Pertamina-Biofuel Laboratory, is a dynamic research hub committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions through the conversion of biomass into clean fuels and valuable biochemicals.
Designed as a center for innovation in biorefinery, ABEL explores a wide range of renewable feedstocks—such as agricultural residues, lignocellulosic biomass, and microalgae—to produce next-generation biofuels like bioethanol, biodiesel, biobutanol, and biojet fuel. Beyond fuels, the lab focuses on extracting high-value products including organic acids, furan derivatives, bioplastics, and specialty chemicals, supporting a zero-waste, circular bioeconomy.
By combining cutting-edge research in biotechnology, catalysis, and process engineering with real-world industrial collaboration, ABEL serves as a vital link between academic discovery and commercial application, helping to drive Indonesia’s transition toward a greener, more resilient energy future.
SUB LAB
The Biomass Pretreatment Sublab focuses on the development and optimization of lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment technologies to enhance the accessibility of cellulose and hemicellulose for subsequent conversion processes. This sublab examines various physical, chemical, physicochemical, and biological pretreatment methods to improve the efficiency of renewable biomass utilization as a raw material for bioprocesses and biorefineries.
The Hydrolysis and Detoxification Sublab focuses on converting pretreated biomass into fermentable sugars through enzymatic or chemical hydrolysis processes, as well as removing inhibitory compounds formed during pretreatment. Research activities include optimizing hydrolysis conditions, developing detoxification methods, and evaluating hydrolysate quality to support the sustainable production of biofuels, biochemicals, and biomaterials.
The Biomass Pretreatment Sublab focuses on the development and optimization of lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment technologies to enhance the accessibility of cellulose and hemicellulose for subsequent conversion processes. This sublab examines various physical, chemical, physicochemical, and biological pretreatment methods to improve utilization efficiency.
The Molecular Genomics Sublab focuses on utilizing molecular biology and genomics approaches to understand, characterize, and engineer biological systems involved in bioconversion processes. Research activities include genome analysis, gene expression, microbial community identification, metagenomics, as well as the development of microorganism engineering strategies to enhance the performance of fermentation, biodegradation, and high-value compound production processes.