Limited access to clean water, waste issues, and the need for\nalternative energy have driven students in the Jabodetabek area to\ndevelop various innovations to address local environmental problems.<\/p>\n
This was evident during the National Innovation Challenge, the\nculmination of the \u2018Young Voices for a Sustainable Future \u2013 Innovation\nChallenge for a Just Transition\u2019 programme, organised by BASF Indonesia\nin collaboration with Prestasi Junior Indonesia (PJI). A total of 50\nstudents from 10 finalist teams presented their solutions at the BASF\nIndonesia office in Jakarta on Thursday (1\/10\/2026).<\/p>\n
The programme has involved 100 students from 20 teams and 16 high\nschools across the Jabodetabek region since April 2026. Participants\ndeveloped ideas based on issues identified in their schools and\ncommunities, including food, textile, and organic waste, environmental\npollution, limited access to clean water, and the need for alternative\nenergy sources.<\/p>\n
One innovation that garnered significant attention was \u2018O2H:\nAtmospheric Water Harvesting System\u2019, developed by Team Gen V from SMAN\n21 Jakarta. This innovation led the team to victory in the National\nInnovation Challenge.<\/p>\n
Representing Team Gen V, Muhammad Rizqi Sugianto stated that the\ninnovation was inspired by the limited access to clean water experienced\nby several households and communities, particularly during the dry\nseason. The developed device is designed to convert air humidity into\nclean water through a process of filtration and sterilisation.<\/p>\n
In addition to clean water issues, finalists developed innovations\nacross six themes: climate action, water and sanitation, responsible\nconsumption, circular economy and waste reduction, sustainable energy,\nand digital solutions for sustainability.<\/p>\n
Presented ideas included the utilisation of waste materials into\nvalue-added products, water and energy management technologies, and the\nuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI), sensors, digital applications, and\ndata analysis to encourage more environmentally friendly behaviours.<\/p>\n
Rurry Fatchurrachman, Head of Student Sub-team at the Directorate of\nSenior High Schools, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, stated\nthat the programme provides space for students to translate knowledge\ninto real action. According to him, the process of identifying problems\nand developing solutions can sharpen students\u2019 critical thinking,\ncreativity, collaboration, and communication skills.<\/p>\n
Dr Christofer Arisandy, President Director of BASF Indonesia, noted\nthat the transition towards a sustainable economy cannot rely solely on\ntechnological progress. He emphasised the need for a younger generation\ncapable of understanding surrounding issues, identifying opportunities,\ncreating added value, and developing relevant solutions for society.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough the Young Voices for a Sustainable Future programme,\nstudents are encouraged to demonstrate that innovation can stem from\neveryday problems and evolve into ideas that deliver real impact through\nresearch, creativity, and collaboration,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Utami Anita Herawati, Executive Director of Prestasi Junior\nIndonesia, added that the younger generation needs direct experience in\nunderstanding environmental issues and seeking solutions. \u201cThe younger\ngeneration needs more than just information about environmental\nproblems. They need the opportunity to investigate the causes of\nproblems, test various ideas, collaborate, receive feedback, and refine\nthe solutions they develop,\u201d she remarked.<\/p>\n
The programme utilises a design thinking and STEAM (Science,\nTechnology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) approach. Participants\nconducted environmental observations, research, and concept formulation,\nfollowed by the development of innovation proposals under the mentorship\nof BASF experts.<\/p>\n
During the final stage, each team presented the problems they aimed\nto solve, their solution concepts, benefits, target users, and prototype\ndevelopment plans before a jury comprising representatives from the\nbusiness sector, education, and sustainability practitioners.<\/p>\n
Through this approach, the programme not only produces innovative\nideas but also encourages students to develop skills in research,\ncommunication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/students-develop-solutions-for-clean-water-and-sustainable-energy-1790938604", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }