There was something different in the area of Jalan Jakarta to Jalan Simpang Ijen some time ago. The area turned into a car circuit arena (JSI circuit) in the Energy Saving Car Contest (KMHE). The event lasts for five days, Tuesday-Saturday (24-28 / 9). KMHE is a national level energy-efficient car competition organized by the Directorate General of Higher Education. The activity which was originally called the Indonesia Energy Marathon Challenge (IEMC) has been held every year since 2012. There are two categories of vehicles that were competed in this contest, namely prototype and urban concept.

This year the State University of Malang (UM) has the honor to host this prestigious contest. The KMHE which took place in a cold city this time carried the theme "Awij Threads for Nature". This theme really describes the characteristics of Malang with its walik language. Inside there is a message to be able to unite the souls of the community for the sake of nature preservation through the concept of energy-efficient vehicles.

Opened on Tuesday (24/9), this contest was attended by 80 teams from 45 universities throughout Indonesia. The opening ceremony was enlivened by the Gondanglegi Truck Miniature Community, Malang Flower Carnival costume exhibition, and also dance performances from UKM STKAK. Not to forget, what is most awaited and attracts attention is the motorcade with a variety of colors and unique designs. One by one, the team showcased their proud energy-efficient cars which will be competed and tested for their efficiency on the JSI circuit.

One of the teams was seen showing off an energy-efficient car with a butterfly design. The team came from Tadulako University, Palu, Central Sulawesi. "Our team has been in Malang since Friday and brought the car using a truck which was transported onto the ship," said Rusdi, one of the lecturers from Tadulako University when being interviewed.

Creativity in realizing real works in the form of efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly vehicles is demanded to be mastered by all participants. The short-term target of this competition is to become a benchmark for students to advance to similar competitions at the international level. Meanwhile, for the long-term target, Indonesian children are expected to be able to design and make their own energy-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles. At least this vehicle can be used as a means of internal transportation on campus.

Not only successfully hosted awij threads for nature, UM also won the title. After competing on the JSI circuit for approximately four days, the announcement of the winner arrived. The announcement of the winners as well as the closing of the KMHE event was held at the Graha Cakrawala building (28/9). In this year's contest, ITS came out as the defending overall champion of KMHE. However, the UM team named Semeru team I and Semeru team II also won 1st place in the Prototype MPD Ethanol and Best Design Vehicle categories. Very proud! Hopefully the energy-efficient car that is the pride of UM can soon move around the campus area. Patchouli.