International student from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Pepijn Van Den Bent, has spent 10 weeks as a research intern at the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (FMAE), Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB). At FMAE, the student exchange program can be done in two directions, one of which is the partner institution to FMAE.

Within the framework of a mutually beneficial student exchange program between the two institutions, FMAE and TU Delft, Pepijn is under the expert guidance of Dr. Eng. Ir. Firman Bagja Juangsa, S.T., M.Eng. This cross-continental collaboration not only enriches the horizons, but also strengthens the academic relationship between TU Delft and FMAE, promoting knowledge exchange and innovation in higher education across countries.

Pepjin said that his motivation to take up an internship at FMAE was rooted in ITB’s reputation as the best engineering university in Indonesia and the unique opportunity to understand the country’s energy challenges.

Pepjin’s main research focus is on improving the flexibility of coal-based power plants through the integration of energy storage. The result of this research is a plan to involve energy storage in the plant infrastructure, which is expected to improve its efficiency and responsiveness.

During his research, he felt very comfortable and appreciated his interactions with the students of FMAE, especially in the refrigeration laboratory, where he worked on his research under the guidance of Dr. Firman. There, Pepijn felt close to the undergraduate and masters students who were working on their projects. When he faced problems in his research or activities, he could easily approach his friends to solve the problems together.

Pepjin really enjoys the social interaction with the students, as he believes that the students of FMAE have an extraordinary level of intelligence. The openness and support in the FMAE research environment impressed him. According to him, FMAE is not only a place for learning and research, but also a place where social relationships and collaboration are built.

He also gave his highest appreciation to the academic staff who have helped his research at the Faculty. They are Gea Fardias Mu’min, S.T., M.T., Poetro Lebdo Sambegoro, M.Sc., Ph.D. and Dr. Eng. Ir. Firman Bagja Juangsa, S.T., M.Eng.

Pepjin expressed how valuable this international internship experience was in expanding his perspective. Previously, his focus was limited to the Netherlands and Europe, but through his internship at FMAE, his eyes were opened to the potential of working and studying abroad. He experienced the benefits of working with a different culture and felt very comfortable in this environment. He sees this experience as a valuable opportunity to broaden the scope of his international work experience in the future, with Indonesia, Singapore and Japan being interesting options.