Balikpapan — Another proud achievement has been secured by students of the Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK). A cross disciplinary team consisting of Fionita Oktav Arifin (Chemical Engineering 2024) as team leader and Dwi Arnesta Saputra (Electrical Engineering) as member successfully won the Gold Medal and the Best Presentation Award at the National Writing Competition (NWC) 2025. The prestigious competition was organized by Inteleksa X HMDE, Universitas Andalas, and was attended by hundreds of participants from various universities across Indonesia.

This accomplishment demonstrates that ITK students continue to show excellence, capability, and a strong spirit of innovation in addressing national issues related to energy and the environment.

 Presenting a 2045 Vision: Energy, Environment, and Balikpapan as a Green City 

In their scientific paper titled: “UTILIZATION OF SOLAR PANEL BASED REVERSE VENDING MACHINE FOR NON-ORGANIC WASTE AS ALTERNATIVE RDF ENERGY TOWARD INNOVATIVE ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS 2045 IN BALIKPAPAN,” the ITK team proposes a strategic innovation that responds to Indonesia’s grand mission for 2045: becoming a developed nation with energy sovereignty and environmental sustainability.

The idea stems from the reality that Balikpapan well known as a green city and the main gateway to the new capital (IKN) still faces serious challenges in managing non organic waste and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

 Solar-Powered RVM Innovation: Efficient, Energy Independent, and Nationally Promising 

The team proposes the integration of a solar powered Reverse Vending Machine (RVM), designed to collect non-organic waste such as plastic, cans, and paper, which will then be processed into Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) a high calorific alternative energy source.

The RVM offers several key advantages:

• Powered by solar energy, enabling fully independent operation without PLN electricity.
• Suitable for placement in public spaces such as parks, sidewalks, and residential areas.
• Reduces the sorting load at landfills since waste is pre segregated at the source.
• Supports the national target of achieving Net-Zero Emission by 2060.

 Thorough Preparation: From In Depth Research to an Outstanding Presentation 

This achievement did not come instantly. The team underwent an extensive preparation process, including:

• literature and journal research,
• writing a research-based scientific paper,
• intensive presentation practice,
• and deepening their understanding of the innovation to face the national judges.

Their dedication allowed the ITK team to excel not only in concept development but also in delivery, earning them the Best Presentation Award.

Memorable Experience and a Message for ITK Students 

Throughout the competition, Fionita and Dwi expressed that the experience was both exciting and meaningful from meeting students across Indonesia to learning more about the cultural richness of Padang.

They shared a message for fellow ITK students:

“Don’t hesitate to seize opportunities. Join competitions, explore innovation, and get to know more about the cultural richness and challenges of our nation. That’s where meaningful solutions are born.”

 ITK Continues to Advance as the Innovation Hub of Kalimantan 

This achievement further reinforces ITK’s reputation as a campus committed to fostering research, innovation, and student competitiveness. Through breakthrough ideas such as the solar powered RVM, ITK students continue to demonstrate their potential to contribute real solutions in alternative energy, waste management, and sustainable development for Kalimantan and Indonesia.

Congratulations to Fionita Oktav Arifin and Dwi Arnesta Saputra!
 Their success serves as an inspiration for the entire ITK academic community to keep creating and innovating for a cleaner, more advanced, and sustainable Indonesia.