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The ITB Metallurgical Engineering Excursion 2025 is a co-curricular activity within the undergraduate program, designed to give students firsthand exposure to companies representing the three core specializations in metallurgical engineering: mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, and physical metallurgy.

The first company visited was PT Bumi Suksesindo (BSI) in Banyuwangi, representing the Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy specializations. BSI is a subsidiary of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk (MDKA) and operates the Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine in Banyuwangi. The company utilizes an open-pit mining method and is currently preparing for a transition to underground mining. It employs an innovative oxide heap leach processing technology that produces no tailings, thereby proactively mitigating one of the biggest environmental risks in the mining industry.

“The visit to PT Bumi Suksesindo gave us new insights into the real-world application of metallurgical knowledge we’ve been learning, and it inspired us to contribute to the advancement of Indonesia’s metallurgical industry,” said Iqbal Fahmi, one of the participating students.

On the second day, participants visited PT Bhirawa Steel in Surabaya, representing the Physical Metallurgy specialization. At PT Bhirawa Steel, the metallurgical process begins with heating billets to 1250°C, followed by rolling and drawing to form reinforcing steel bars. This is followed by quenching and self-tempering processes. These stages are crucial for producing a microstructure that yields steel with both high strength and ductility. Each product undergoes rigorous testing in accredited laboratories to ensure quality before being used in critical infrastructure projects across Indonesia.

The final company visited was PT Indra Eramulti Logam Industri (IMLI) in Pasuruan, which focuses on circular economy practices and represents the Extractive Metallurgy specialization. At IMLI, used car batteries are transformed into high-value products. Initially, the batteries are crushed and their components separated. Through pyrometallurgical technology, the materials are smelted in a rotary furnace, undergoing desulfurization, melting, and fire refining, before being cast into pure lead ingots. IMLI demonstrates that the metallurgical industry can offer sustainable solutions—reducing waste while supplying critical raw materials for Indonesia’s automotive and manufacturing sectors.

In addition to the industrial visits, students also attended an Alumni Sharing Session at PT Aldzama. Here, ITB Metallurgical Engineering alumni shared insights about the company and broader professional experiences. Students also received presentations from alumni working at PT Smelting and PT Freeport Indonesia in Gresik. These sessions highlighted the strong synergy between alumni, faculty, and students.

The excursion received positive support from both the host companies and sponsors, who provided financial assistance, accommodation, and safety equipment for the students.

“This series of activities is expected to help us—class of 2023 Metallurgical Engineering students—determine which specialization we want to focus on moving forward. Moreover, by participating in this year’s excursion, we’ve become more motivated to deepen our understanding of metallurgical science after witnessing its direct applications in the mining, mineral, and steel industries,” said Juan Julio Semdu Sihombing, Excursion Committee Chair.