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| Imelda Azalia, Informatics Student at UMM Successfully Launches VR Metaverse Project Named DARI (Digital Art and Information) (Photo: Istimewa) |
A student from Muhammadiyah Malang University (UMM) has once again made an innovation. This time, along with her team, Imelda Azalia, an Informatics student at UMM, has successfully launched a VR metaverse project called DARI (Digital Art and Information). She and her team aim to bring virtual reality (VR) technology into the fields of education and art. The project’s goal is to provide a more immersive and interactive learning experience through virtual learning spaces and art galleries that users can access digitally.
With support from the faculty members of the Informatics Department at UMM, the DARI team has developed various “spaces” in the metaverse, including classrooms, museums, and galleries, which can be customized according to clients’ needs. Their official website, *metadari.id*, serves as a public information hub and portfolio showcasing the virtual spaces they have created.
Several spaces have already been created and can be explored by the public, including students. Among the spaces available are the UMM Metaverse Hall, a courtroom for studying law, the Batik Metaverse, Human Anatomy, and more. They have even prepared spaces such as the Solar System and DinoPark, where students can interact directly within them using VR technology.
The team wants to make learning more engaging and aligned with the digital world, which continues to evolve. DARI also serves as a platform to channel creative ideas for students interested in VR technology. "We hope DARI can attract many people and create numerous collaborations between students, teachers, and the art community in this metaverse world," said Imelda.
According to Imelda, this project was also launched to introduce VR technology to the public, especially students. They have visited several schools, such as SMP Al Azhar and MAN Jombang, for socialization activities. Interestingly, their project has also successfully participated in competitions such as P2MW and Gemastik, as well as international seminars to promote the metaverse more widely.
In addition to support from academics at UMM, the project has received backing from various organizations, including local and international companies like PT Aku Cinta Indonesia and One Animation. "We are proud to collaborate with major companies; it motivates us to keep creating," they said.
Moreover, collaborations have been established with international institutions such as NTNU and the U.S. Embassy, enabling the team to continually develop and introduce new features. However, the development of this project is not without challenges. “Not everyone understands this technology, so we need to actively educate the public through socialization at schools and workshops,” they added.
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Lastly, the DARI team has high hopes for the future of the project. One of their goals is to become a pioneer in metaverse education in Indonesia. Collaboration is seen as a crucial factor in reaching that level. (*/vin/wil/fajr)
