Yogyakarta – A team of students from the Kalimantan Institute of Technology (ITK) has won a Bronze Medal at the Sustainable Innovations Essay Competition (SINEC) 2025, organized by Cakap Riset in collaboration with Widya Mataram University and the Academic Reasoning Student Unit (UKM Penalaran Akademik). The competition, held on August 9–10, 2025, in Yogyakarta, was a platform for the ITK team to present their innovation: Nougat Tepache packaged in an Antimicrobial Biodegradable Packaging based on Eco-Enzyme from East Kalimantan Pineapple Waste.

The team, consisting of Rizqi Alreza Cahaya Firdaus (Team Leader, Class of 2023), Dwi Mulia Nur Saputra, and Aditya Kurniawan, successfully captured the judges' attention with their comprehensive idea, under the guidance of Yuvita Lira Vesti Arista, S.T.P., M.Si. This innovation not only focuses on developing a food product but also provides a tangible solution to environmental and waste-related problems.

Background and Goals of the Innovation

The innovation originated from a concern about the high volume of pineapple peel waste in East Kalimantan. According to 2020 BPS data, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, particularly the Samboja sub-district, is the largest contributor to pineapple production. For every 1,050-gram honey pineapple, approximately 229 grams, or 21.9%, is peel waste.

Recognizing that pineapple peels are rich in sugars (sucrose, fructose, and dextrose), the team utilized this waste as a substrate to create Tepache, a traditional fermented drink. This Tepache was then processed into an innovative food product: nougat.

Furthermore, the pineapple peel waste was fermented for up to 90 days to produce an eco-enzyme containing bromelain. This enzyme has antibacterial properties, which were used as the base material for creating biodegradable packaging. The goal of this packaging is to address the issue of conventional plastic waste and reduce food spoilage caused by microbial contamination, which is a significant contributor to food loss and waste.

Preparation Process and Benefits

In their preparation, the team conducted direct research by visiting honey pineapple farmers in Tani Bhakti Village, Samboja sub-district. They also performed a series of trial-and-error experiments in product creation and conducted hedonic (liking), color, and texture tests to ensure the quality of the final product.

The team's participation in the competition had a broader purpose: to engage in discussions, build networks, and introduce East Kalimantan's potential local commodities to a national audience. This innovation proves that with the right approach, agricultural waste can be transformed into high-value products that have a positive impact on the economy, society, and the environment.