EduAsiaNews, Jember — The University of Jember (UNEJ) has reaffirmed its readiness to host the 2026 Indonesian ABU Robot Contest (KRAI).
The competition serves as part of the national selection process to determine the team that will represent Indonesia at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) Robocon at the Asia-Pacific level. One of the key stages currently being conducted is a virtual visitation involving 40 of the nation’s top robotics teams from various universities across Indonesia, all of which are competing for a place in the national finals.
Held on the third floor of UNEJ’s Entrepreneurship Building, the activity forms part of the selection process to determine the 25 teams that will advance to the National KRAI competition. Through this stage, UNEJ is not only facilitating the virtual visitation process but also utilizing it to assess the readiness of its facilities, support systems, and competition management ahead of the national event scheduled for July.
KRAI 2026 carries the theme “Kung Fu Quest” and serves as the selection platform for Indonesia’s representative to the ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2026 in Hong Kong. Through the competition, participants are challenged to develop two robots capable of working in an integrated manner and performing a series of missions autonomously by utilizing sensor technology, control systems, artificial intelligence, and mechanical engineering.
The Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Alumni of the University of Jember, Dr. Fendi Setyawan, S.H., M.H., officially opened the virtual visitation for KRAI 2026, which was attended by 40 robotics teams from universities across Indonesia.
During the virtual visitation, each participating team was required to use four Zoom accounts simultaneously. One account was used by the team leader to present the robot design and communicate with the judging panel, while the remaining three accounts functioned as field cameras to display robot demonstrations from different viewing angles.
This mechanism was implemented to ensure that the evaluation process remained objective and comprehensive. Therefore, the readiness of information technology infrastructure became one of the key aspects prepared by UNEJ as the host institution. In collaboration with the Information and Communication Technology Academic Support Unit (UPA TIK), UNEJ ensured network stability, seamless online communication systems, and technical support throughout the visitation process.
While officially opening the event, Dr. Fendi Setyawan emphasized the important role of higher education institutions in fostering innovation and technological development amid the rapid advancement of science and technology.
“Robotics technology is evolving at an extraordinary pace, presenting both challenges and opportunities for universities. Higher education institutions must serve as centers of innovation and scientific development. This year’s KRAI is being held earlier than usual because Indonesia must prepare its best representatives for the international competition in Hong Kong. Therefore, we hope that all technical feedback from participants and judges will help ensure that the facilities and infrastructure prepared at the University of Jember meet the required standards,” he stated.
According to Fendi, the virtual visitation serves not only as a platform for evaluating participants but also as an opportunity for UNEJ to obtain valuable feedback regarding its readiness to host the National KRAI competition. Suggestions and evaluations provided by participants and judges will be used to further refine preparations ahead of the competition at the Tegalboto Campus.
Meanwhile, the Chair of the KRAI 2026 Virtual Visitation Organizing Committee and Vice Dean for Student Affairs and Alumni of UNEJ’s Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Dr. Ir. Bambang Sujanarko, M.M., explained that the organizing committee had adopted an adaptive and efficient coordination strategy to address the relatively short preparation period.
“We strive to apply efficiency principles throughout the implementation of the event. Coordination is carried out intensively through digital platforms, supported by students with robotics competition experience and guidance from Electrical Engineering lecturers. This approach enables all processes to run effectively, on schedule, and while maintaining high organizational standards,” he explained.
According to Bambang, the involvement of students who have previously participated in national robotics competitions has become one of UNEJ’s key strengths in preparing to host the event. Their experience helps the organizing committee understand participants’ technical needs while ensuring that all stages of the competition are conducted in accordance with established standards.
To ensure objectivity and maintain the quality of the selection process, the KRAI 2026 virtual visitation involves six judges who are robotics experts from leading Indonesian universities: Dr. Eng. Gigih Prabowo, S.T., M.T. from the State Electronics Polytechnic of Surabaya, Dr. Ir. Soni from the Bandung Institute of Technology, Prof. Dr. Ir. Benyamin Kusumoputro, M.Sc. from the University of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Ir. Djoko Purwanto, M.Eng. and Prof. Dr. Ir. Mauridhi Hery Purnomo, M.Eng. from the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology, and Dr. Ir. Indrawanto from the Bandung Institute of Technology.
The virtual visitation forms part of UNEJ’s broader efforts to ensure comprehensive readiness for hosting KRAI 2026. With the support of various university units and ongoing preparations, UNEJ is fully prepared to host KRAI 2026 from 9–12 July 2026 at the Tegalboto Campus, where Indonesia’s representative for the ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2026 in Hong Kong will ultimately be selected. (qf)
