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The ITB team consisted of Azizah Nur Sya’bani (Engineering Physics 2023), Izza Aliffatul Auliya (Actuarial Science 2023), and Firzatullah Al Ghiffari (Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering 2023). Their paper was selected among the top five from a total of 525 submissions nationwide, before ultimately being awarded Third Place in the Special LKTR category.

In this competition, the ITB team presented the idea “Location Needs and Techno-Economic Analysis of Solar Power Systems to Improve Electrification in the Arfak Mountains, West Papua.” Through this research, they developed a new index called the Location Needs Index (IKL), which integrates multiple data points such as solar panel efficiency (PVOUT), the number of non-PLN households, rainfall levels, and regional slope gradients. The index was then visualized into distribution maps to identify priority areas for solar panel installation. This approach allowed them to propose solutions that were not only technically sound but also economically feasible.

Azizah shared that her motivation to join the competition came after learning that an ITB team had also won in the previous year. “At first, it was just for fun since we had free time during the semester break, but we ended up making it to the finals. It feels amazing to continue ITB’s tradition, as last year’s team also won,” she said.

Izza added that the experience provided a valuable opportunity to deepen her understanding of economic analysis. “As an Actuarial Science student, I do study some economics, but this competition pushed me to learn much more. Plus, having the final round in West Papua felt like both a study trip and a holiday,” she said.

The main challenge they faced was the difference in academic backgrounds. Azizah from Engineering Physics, Izza from Actuarial Science, and Firza from Geodesy had to find common ground to align their research. Firza explained that limited access to field data meant they had to rely on secondary processing using tools such as QGIS. “It felt like predicting conditions in West Papua without ever having been there ourselves,” he said.

Even so, their diverse backgrounds became the team’s strength. Competing against teams from pure economics majors, the ITB students confidently highlighted their technical analysis, which proved to be an added value in the judges’ eyes.

Beyond the achievement itself, the experience of joining LKTR PAPEDANOMICS left a lasting impression. Azizah shared that traveling to eastern Indonesia broadened her perspective on both the natural beauty of West Papua and the great potential of its youth. Izza emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities: “Never hesitate to take a step, because chances don’t always come twice. Even something as simple as solar panels can become a major innovation if we’re curious enough,” she remarked.

This accomplishment demonstrates ITB students’ contribution to developing knowledge-based solutions for Indonesia’s growth, particularly in underdeveloped and remote regions. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, they proved that impactful innovation emerges from the courage to try and the willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone.

Reporter & Translator: Dina Avanza Mardiana (Microbiology, 2022)