Balikpapan - The spirit of innovation among students of Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) continues to grow through the development of maritime technology. Three ITK teams—Mahakam 13, Mahakam 12, and Sentinel—are currently taking part in the 2026 Indonesian Ship Contest (Kontes Kapal Indonesia/KKI) organized by the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs (Belmawa), Directorate General of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology.

KKI is a national student competition designed to enhance students’ skills, creativity, and innovation in maritime technology and ship design. In 2026, the competition features two main categories, Innovation Design and Prototype, with the final round scheduled to take place on September 14–17, 2026, at Politeknik Negeri Bengkalis, Riau.

In the prototype category, ITK is represented by two teams using different propulsion technologies. Mahakam 13 competes in the Electric Remote Control (ERC) category, while Mahakam 12 participates in the Fuel Engine Remote Control (FERC) category. Both teams have completed their progress report videos, showcasing the ship development process from design, manufacturing and fabrication, system integration, to testing.

Mahakam 13 Develops Nawasena for Maritime Patrol Missions

The ERC Mahakam 13 Team is developing a vessel named Nawasena, designed with the concept of supporting patrol and surveillance missions to help safeguard Indonesia’s maritime territory.

The team is led by Try Surya Adi Pratama, with Novita Zahra Pratiwi responsible for administration and documentation, Bima Danuarta as the ship designer, Angga Prasetya Rahman handling the electrical system and serving as pilot, and Yosan Budianto responsible for fabrication.

The development of Nawasena is not solely focused on achieving strong performance in the competition. It also reflects ITK students’ efforts to explore remote-controlled vessel technology that is relevant to Indonesia’s identity and needs as a maritime nation.

Mahakam 12 Introduces Maritime Surveillance Concept for Waters Toward Nusantara

Meanwhile, the FERC Mahakam 12 Team is developing a vessel based on the Bima Sena Coast Guard concept. The idea responds to the need for an effective maritime surveillance system, particularly in Balikpapan Bay and the waterways leading toward Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara (IKN).

The Mahakam 12 Team consists of Girindra Aulia K. as team leader and pilot, Vevrianto Pasudi as ship designer, M. Rafi Arfan responsible for mechanical systems, M. Hajriansyah responsible for electrical systems, and M. Agims responsible for fabrication.

Throughout the preparation process, the team has carried out several development stages, including ship design, structural fabrication, mechanical and electrical system development, component integration, and testing to achieve optimal vessel performance.

In addition to Mahakam 13 and Mahakam 12, Team Sentinel ITK is also part of the ITK contingent in KKI 2026 and has completed and submitted its final report as part of the competition process.

The entire preparation process provides students with an opportunity to directly apply their engineering knowledge. Beyond developing concepts on paper, students are challenged to transform their designs into prototypes, integrate various systems, conduct testing, identify technical problems, and continuously refine the vessels they develop.

KKI serves as a platform for university students from across Indonesia to present innovations and ship technologies that respond to the country’s maritime needs and challenges. The competition also encourages the development of student-driven innovations that contribute to national technological independence, including technologies for maritime security and emergency response.

The ITK contingent is currently awaiting the results of the next selection stage. Mahakam 13, Mahakam 12, and Sentinel share the same goal: to advance to the final round and showcase ITK’s maritime innovations in Bengkalis this September.

The participation of these three teams reflects the commitment of ITK students to continue developing technologies that are not only competitive in national competitions but also rooted in real-world challenges faced by East Kalimantan and Indonesia. From Balikpapan Bay to the wider waters of the archipelago, ITK student innovations continue to be directed toward creating relevant and impactful maritime technologies.

SPECTA! For the Creator and the Land of Etam!