Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi has asked the University of Diponegoro (UNDIP) in Semarang, Central Java, to build electric buses equipped with HEPA filters to prevent COVID-19 transmission.

Sumadi made the statement after traveling in a Bio Smart and Safe Bus equipped with HEPA filters from Yogyakarta to Semarang on Monday.

"UNDIP can collaborate with other higher education institutions to create this kind of bus, but one that is operated with battery or electricity. So, next year, the bus can be used to support the G20 Summit in Bali," the minister said in a statement released here the same day.

He lauded the bus innovation developed by UNDIP with a private autobus company.

"All this time, we knew that the HEPA filters were only installed on planes, but now we make it on the bus. A very anticipatory idea to the current pandemic situation," he remarked.

Moreover, electric buses with HEPA filters can be utilized as a mode of mass transportation in some cities such as Bali through the Buy The Service (BTS) scheme, he said.

"(Let us) prove that we can compete with other nations," he added.

Meanwhile, Director General of Higher Education Nizam said that the innovation developed by colleges can proceed well if they gain support from sectoral ministries and institutions that actually use the innovations.

Meanwhile, the University of Diponegoro's Rector, Yos Johan Utama, explained that his team has sought support from related ministries and institutions and other relevant parties for the development of the next Bio Smart and Safe Bus.

"Our principle is our research efforts are for the people," Utama remarked.

The Bio Smart bus uses a smart air circulating system and comes with gaps between passenger seats, openable windows, UV C light, and HEPA filters, he explained.

Due to the presence of the filters, dirty and clean air does not mix in the passenger cabin, so it can minimize the transmission of COVID-19 through the air, he added.

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Translator: Adimas P, Kenzu T
Editor: Sri Haryati
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