Students Develop Solutions for Clean Water and Sustainable Energy
Limited access to clean water, waste issues, and the need for alternative energy have driven students in the Jabodetabek area to develop various innovations to address local environmental problems.
This was evident during the National Innovation Challenge, the culmination of the ‘Young Voices for a Sustainable Future – Innovation Challenge for a Just Transition’ programme, organised by BASF Indonesia in collaboration with Prestasi Junior Indonesia (PJI). A total of 50 students from 10 finalist teams presented their solutions at the BASF Indonesia office in Jakarta on Thursday (1/10/2026).
The programme has involved 100 students from 20 teams and 16 high schools across the Jabodetabek region since April 2026. Participants developed ideas based on issues identified in their schools and communities, including food, textile, and organic waste, environmental pollution, limited access to clean water, and the need for alternative energy sources.
One innovation that garnered significant attention was ‘O2H: Atmospheric Water Harvesting System’, developed by Team Gen V from SMAN 21 Jakarta. This innovation led the team to victory in the National Innovation Challenge.
Representing Team Gen V, Muhammad Rizqi Sugianto stated that the innovation was inspired by the limited access to clean water experienced by several households and communities, particularly during the dry season. The developed device is designed to convert air humidity into clean water through a process of filtration and sterilisation.
In addition to clean water issues, finalists developed innovations across six themes: climate action, water and sanitation, responsible consumption, circular economy and waste reduction, sustainable energy, and digital solutions for sustainability.
Presented ideas included the utilisation of waste materials into value-added products, water and energy management technologies, and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), sensors, digital applications, and data analysis to encourage more environmentally friendly behaviours.
Rurry Fatchurrachman, Head of Student Sub-team at the Directorate of Senior High Schools, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, stated that the programme provides space for students to translate knowledge into real action. According to him, the process of identifying problems and developing solutions can sharpen students’ critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills.
Dr Christofer Arisandy, President Director of BASF Indonesia, noted that the transition towards a sustainable economy cannot rely solely on technological progress. He emphasised the need for a younger generation capable of understanding surrounding issues, identifying opportunities, creating added value, and developing relevant solutions for society.
“Through the Young Voices for a Sustainable Future programme, students are encouraged to demonstrate that innovation can stem from everyday problems and evolve into ideas that deliver real impact through research, creativity, and collaboration,” he said.
Utami Anita Herawati, Executive Director of Prestasi Junior Indonesia, added that the younger generation needs direct experience in understanding environmental issues and seeking solutions. “The younger generation needs more than just information about environmental problems. They need the opportunity to investigate the causes of problems, test various ideas, collaborate, receive feedback, and refine the solutions they develop,” she remarked.
The programme utilises a design thinking and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) approach. Participants conducted environmental observations, research, and concept formulation, followed by the development of innovation proposals under the mentorship of BASF experts.
During the final stage, each team presented the problems they aimed to solve, their solution concepts, benefits, target users, and prototype development plans before a jury comprising representatives from the business sector, education, and sustainability practitioners.
Through this approach, the programme not only produces innovative ideas but also encourages students to develop skills in research, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking.