Yogyakarta – PT Hutama Karya Infrastruktur (HKI) menjalin kerja sama dengan Universitas Gadjah Mada dalam bidang riset dan advisory pembangunan Jalan Tol Trans Sumatera (JTTS). Kerja sama ini dituangkan dalam bentuk memorandum of understanding (MOU) yang ditandatangani pada Jumat, 26 November 2021.
The MOU signing event took place at the Faculty of Engineering, UGM, Yogyakarta, and was attended by President Director of HKI Aji Prasetyanti and the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering UGM, Ir. Selo. ST., MT., M.Sc., Ph.D. Also present at the event were the academic staff of the Faculty of Engineering UGM, Head of the Engineering Department at HKI Mutiar Warman, and HKI Corporate Secretary Rian Hari Anggoro.
The purpose of this collaboration is to foster innovations in toll road construction, particularly the Trans Sumatra Toll Road. "Considering the varying terrain conditions in Sumatra, each area requires specific treatment for every HKI project. Innovation is needed to address the challenges in each project. Therefore, research and guidance from academics at the Faculty of Engineering, UGM are essential," explained Aji.
This MOU marks the beginning of collaborative research efforts, which will be further developed together. The agreement also opens greater opportunities for future collaborations in fields such as education and strengthening human resources, both at HKI and UGM. It is hoped that other results from this cooperation will enhance work quality and acceleratethe development of the JTTS.
The first research theme being carried out focuses on self-healing bacterial concrete, a biological product that generates lime to repair cracks on the surface of concrete structures. Additionally, research will be conducted on self-healing asphalt, which is capable of repairing cracks and the loosening of particles on the road surface layer. The use of self-healing bacterial concrete and asphalt will help maintain the road surface layer when cracks occur, without requiring special repairs or maintenance, ultimately bringing cost savings in toll road maintenance.
