Balikpapan - Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) has once again achieved a proud accomplishment at the national level. Two ITK student teams have successfully secured funding in the 2026 Student Creativity Program (Program Kreativitas Mahasiswa/PKM) organized by the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology.

This achievement reflects the ability of ITK students to continue producing creative, innovative, and solution-oriented ideas that respond to real challenges in society. Through PKM 2026, students are encouraged not only to design ideas, but also to develop works based on research, technology, and social impact.

This year, two proposals from ITK received funding under two different categories: PKM-Exact Research (PKM-RE) and PKM-Creative Initiative (PKM-KC). Both projects address strategic issues relevant to regional needs, namely the development of food innovation based on local biological resources and the use of technology for sustainable forest conservation.

Exploring Senggani to Maintain the Quality of Pindang Tongkol

The first team received funding under the PKM-RE 2026 scheme with the title “Exploration of Bioactive Components in Senggani Fruit and Leaves (Melastoma malabathricum) and Their Effectiveness in Preventing Quality Deterioration of Pindang Tongkol (Euthynnus affinis).”

The team is led by Clausi Aulya Putri, a 2023 Food Technology student. She works together with Nasywa Nus Giga, a 2023 Food Technology student; Silfiana, a 2024 Food Technology student; and Yuliana Galuh, a 2024 Food Technology student.

This research focuses on the utilization of senggani fruit and leaves as sources of bioactive components that have the potential to help maintain the quality of pindang tongkol. This innovation is important because fish is a food commodity that is highly susceptible to quality deterioration if not properly handled.

Through this research, the ITK student team seeks to explore the potential of local natural ingredients to support food resilience, food safety, and the development of preservation technology that is more environmentally friendly and relevant to community needs. The team is supervised by Yuvita Lira Vesti Arista, S.TP., M.Si.

EcoGuardian: Illegal Logging Detection Technology Based on LoRa and Deep Learning

The second team received funding under the PKM-KC 2026 scheme with the title “EcoGuardian: An Integrated Illegal Logging Detection System Using LoRa and Deep Learning for Sustainable Forest Conservation in East Kalimantan.”

The team is led by Akbar Juniarta Shaleh, a 2023 Electrical Engineering student. He is joined by Muhamad Ihsan, a 2023 Electrical Engineering student; Fitri Mulyani, a 2024 Electrical Engineering student; and Muhammad Risky Novaldi, a 2023 Electrical Engineering student.

EcoGuardian is designed as an integrated system to help detect illegal logging activities through the integration of LoRa technology and deep learning. This idea is highly relevant to East Kalimantan, a region with vast forest areas and a strategic role in the sustainable development agenda.

Through a technology-based approach, EcoGuardian is expected to become an early solution for strengthening environmental monitoring systems. This innovation not only stands out in terms of engineering technology, but also carries a strong message about the importance of forest conservation, ecosystem protection, and the use of digital technology to address environmental challenges. The team is supervised by Happy Aprillia, S.ST., M.T., M.Eng., Ph.D.

ITK Students Demonstrate Competitiveness in Research and Innovation

The success of the two ITK teams in PKM 2026 shows that the culture of research and innovation among students continues to grow. The ideas developed by the teams are not limited to concepts, but are directed toward solving real issues, ranging from food quality to environmental protection.

This achievement also highlights the strength of collaboration between students and academic supervisors in developing proposals that are well-structured, scientific, and impactful. Through strong academic mentoring, students are encouraged to sharpen their critical thinking, conduct scientific exploration, and develop multidisciplinary solutions.

PKM itself is one of the important platforms for Indonesian students to develop creativity, research, technology, and innovative works. Therefore, securing funding marks an important initial step for ITK student teams to continue refining their ideas and producing the best possible outcomes.

An Initial Step Toward PIMNAS 2026

After receiving funding, both teams will continue implementing their programs according to their respective schemes. This stage will serve as an important opportunity for students to demonstrate the quality of their research, the effectiveness of their work, and the impact of the innovations they have designed.

ITK hopes that both teams will continue to maintain their enthusiasm, strengthen teamwork, and refine every stage of their activities so they can advance to the 2026 National Student Scientific Week (Pekan Ilmiah Mahasiswa Nasional/PIMNAS).

This achievement is a source of pride for the ITK academic community and a reminder that students play an important role in presenting solutions for the future. Through research, technology, and creativity, ITK students are expected to continue bringing honor to the university at the national level.