Semarang, May 20, 2025—A total of 66 students from the Industrial Chemical Engineering Technology (TRKI) Study Program at the Vocational School of Diponegoro University conducted an industrial visit to PT Aromatik Teknologi Indonesia (Aromatindo) on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. This activity is part of the implementation of experiential learning in the Technology-Based Companies course, which aims to introduce students to the real-world application of chemical technology in industries based on local natural resources.
Accompanying this activity were two supervising lecturers: Abdullah Malik Islam Fillardli, S.T., M.T., as the course instructor, and Dr. Eng. Vita Paramita, S.T., M.M., M.Eng., as the academic advisor for the 2022 cohort. The activity was received directly by Dona Sulistia Kusuma, M.Si., the founder and owner of PT Aromatindo. In his remarks, Abdullah Malik Islam Fillardli, S.T., M.T., stated that this visit is an important part of the learning process, connecting classroom theory with the dynamic and ever-evolving industrial practice. “Students need to understand how the innovation process happens directly in the field. This will foster technology-based entrepreneurial insights and prepare them for the world of work,” he said.
Dr. Eng. Vita Paramita also emphasized the importance of industrial visits as a form of strategic collaboration between vocational education and industry players. According to him, field experiences like this equip students not only with technical knowledge but also with an understanding of the values of professionalism and innovation. During the visit session, participants were welcomed by Dona Sulistia Kusuma, M.Si., the founder and owner of PT Aromatindo. In her presentation, Dona explained the history of the company’s establishment, its main product lines such as essential oils from lemongrass, patchouli, and sandalwood, as well as the extraction and processing technologies used.
Additionally, participants were also taken on a tour of PT Aromatindo’s production facilities. They witnessed firsthand the process of extracting aromatic materials, distilling essential oils, and the quality control stages that ensure product quality before it is marketed. Students also participated in interactive discussion sessions covering various topics, from essential oil business opportunities in the export market, the development of appropriate technology, to sustainability strategies for industries based on local resources.
Thru this activity, students gain a deep understanding of the production process chain for aromatic industries, from raw material selection, extraction technology application, energy efficiency, waste management, to the global marketing of aromatic products. Additionally, they also gained insights into the crucial role of research and innovation in creating a competitive advantage for local industries. The event concluded with the presentation of souvenirs and a group photo session. This industrial visit is part of the learning strategy at TRKI UNDIP to produce competent, adaptable, and competitive vocational graduates who can contribute to national industrial development based on local potential and technology.