Magelang — The SANDAY Team from the Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) once again brought pride to the region with an outstanding achievement at the KMI Expo XVI 2025. Showcasing an innovative culinary creation from East Kalimantan Sambal Manday the team, consisting of Martino Ody Christianto, Ahmad Ashraf, Arya Andhika Putra, Salma Hayek Safira, and Sapna Adinda Putri, under the guidance of Chris Verian Jeremy Sitorus, S.T., M.T., successfully secured Third Runner-Up   in the Growing Stage Category  Food and Beverages. This accomplishment is not only a win for the team but also proof that local cultural potential can be elevated into a creative and economically valuable innovation.

Transforming manday a fermented cempedak skin delicacy native to Kalimantan into a modern sambal, SANDAY created a product that blends unique flavors, sustainability, and local wisdom. The zero-waste concept and use of an ingredient rarely explored in mainstream culinary industries made Sambal Manday stand out before both judges and visitors. From booth presentations to business pitching sessions, SANDAY demonstrated ITK students’ capability in product development, business strategy, and professional communication before investors and industry experts.

Held on 19–21 November 2025 at Universitas Tidar (Untidar), Magelang, KMI Expo XVI is the largest entrepreneurship event for university students in Indonesia. Hundreds of young innovators from various universities gathered to compete, network, and learn from experienced mentors and practitioners. Amidst the tight competition, SANDAY stood out by bringing forward the authentic, character-rich, and marketable culinary identity of East Kalimantan.

This achievement marks an important milestone for SANDAY as they move toward broader commercialization. The team plans to develop new flavor variants, scale up production, strengthen digital marketing strategies, and collaborate with local MSMEs and industry partners. The goal is for Sambal Manday to become a culinary icon of East Kalimantan beloved not only by local communities but also recognized across Indonesia and beyond.

Through this accomplishment, SANDAY has proven that innovation rooted in local culture can evolve into a national level creation. From East Kalimantan to Indonesia, Sambal Manday stands as a testament to the creativity of young innovators who continue to uplift regional identity, strengthen the economy, and inspire future generations to keep creating.