InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – Starting with a desire to gain experience, three chemical engineering students from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) took a giant leap—landing on the winner's podium.
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Jeffrey, Nadya Gunawan, and Stephanie Patricia Nathalie T. outperformed participants from various countries in the International Case Competition (I-Cast), one of the main competitions during the Process Engineering Days (PGD) organized by the University of Indonesia.
Their challenge was no small feat, addressing waste management and productivity issues in the palm oil industry—a crucial topic for the future of agribusiness in Indonesia. Supported by PT Triputra Agro Persada Tbk as a knowledge partner, the case presented was not only technical but also focused on sustainability.
The trio chose an innovative path, processing empty palm fruit bunches (TKKS) into biochar—nutrient-enriched charcoal produced through intermediate pyrolysis. This not only reduces solid waste but can also be used as a slow-release fertilizer, potentially curbing the spread of ganoderma disease, a persistent threat to palm oil plantations.
“I initially joined the competition to learn presentation skills and practice answering questions,” Jeffrey said, as reported by InfoSAWIT from ITB's official website on Wednesday (June 11, 2025). However, behind the intensive preparation and exhausting technical discussions lay a surprise. “I just learned that charcoal can be used as fertilizer,” Stephanie added. “Now I really understand biochar.”
Their solution not only addressed technical aspects but also touched on environmental and industrial efficiency—elements that captivated the judges.
For Nadya, victory was not just about brilliant ideas but also about strategy and the courage to learn from others. “Don’t be afraid to ask friends or professors. Do research on competition partners, and just be confident,” she said with a small laugh.
Throughout the competition, the trio faced simulated pressures akin to the professional world. Presenting ideas before a panel of judges, managing time strictly, and defending arguments from an industry perspective were where they found that soft skills and mentality were key.
The I-Cast competition itself is a prestigious international event that opens avenues for engineering students from around the world to showcase their ability to solve data-driven and technology-based industry problems. This year, with a focus on the palm oil industry, the competition provided significant opportunities for participants to not only design solutions but also propose applicable and sustainable approaches.
The victory of Nadya, Jeffrey, and Stephanie reflects that Indonesia's youth can not only compete globally but also have great potential to become agents of change in strategic national sectors—from campus to industry and for the planet. (T2)
