VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

A team of students from the Faculty of Economics and Business at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Yogyakarta, developed an eco-friendly cement from shell waste. The product, INNOCEM—short for Innovatively Efficient Instant Cement—was created as part of the Student Creativity Program in Entrepreneurship (PKM-K). One of the team members, Vidhyazputri Belva Aqila, explained that the idea for INNOCEM started from their concern about the construction industry, which produces 37% of carbon emissions. This is largely due to the traditional use of limestone-based cement that involves environmentally harmful processes.

The development of INNOCEM aims to promote sustainable green construction in Indonesia. It also addresses environmental issues by processing shell waste that has not been optimally managed. The team chose shell waste as the raw material because it contains potassium oxide, a component similar to limestone. According to various studies, shell waste has a high potassium oxide content. Shell waste is currently abundant but not widely used, resulting in large amounts of garbage.

The high potassium oxide in shell waste makes it a promising alternative to limestone in cement production. INNOCEM is now available online through marketplaces and its official website. This product supports the development of eco-friendly construction and offers a solution for reducing shell waste.

Young Indonesians have again made achievements in the international arena, where Asri Hapsari, a student of the Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB), won 1st place in the Innovation Video and 3rd place in the Best Presentation in the 2024 International Youth Excursion Network competition. He and his team developed a literacy application for children called "Pintar Asuh." Asri and her team feel proud because the results of Indonesian children's ideas can beat participants from various countries. He hopes that his achievements can inspire other students to display their innovations on the world stage.

The "Pintar Asuh" Literacy Application was created by Asri and her team because they are concerned that there are still many children in Indonesia who do not have good access to literacy, especially children from underprivileged families. The "Pintar Asuh" application contains guidelines for parents in teaching their children to read and write. The method suggested by Asri and the team in the application is interactive and fun. This application is inclusive and can be used for free by the wider community.

In the International Youth Excursion Network 2024 competition, Asri managed to defeat 175 participants from Malaysia and Indonesia. The International Youth Excursion Network is an event that gathers innovations and creative ideas of young people. In addition to demonstrating innovation, each participant was also given an understanding of culture and history.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto hosted state guests and diplomatic representatives for the first time as President. The dinner was held at the State Palace, Jakarta, last Sunday evening.

The President wore a black suit and traditional black cap (peci). Brunei’s Prime Minister Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah sat to his left, and the Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sat to his right. As President Prabowo delivered his speech, the guests listened attentively.

The President greeted the guests and delivered his speech in English. Through his speech, he talked about democracy in Indonesia, and acknowledged that Indonesia is still in the early stages of experiencing constitutional democracy. He also stated that Indonesia still has much to learn. Indonesia is aware of the need to continuously improve its services and strive toward achieving democratic ideals.

Prabowo said that Indonesia wants to be the best neighbor and partner to work together for the common good, peace, and prosperity of all.

Following his speech, the President invited the guests to raise a toast, with everyone standing as he did. President Prabowo also humbly admitted that it was his first time hosting an official dinner, so he apologized for his inexperience.

The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Dubai hosted the signing of an important cooperation between Pondok Pesantren Darul Fiqih from Lamongan, East Java, and Dubai Blockchain Center and Sphynx Lab from New Zealand. The signing took place on Thursday, October 17.

As quoted from Media Indonesia, the event was attended by Gus Adziem, the caretaker of the Islamic boarding school; Khalifa AlJaziri AlShehhi, Co-Founder of Dubai Blockchain Center; and Zaidoun Al-Owbydi, CEO of Sphynx Lab. Indonesian Consul General to Dubai, Denny Lesmana, was also present to witness this historic event, along with Kusuma Pradopo, regional director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The signing ceremony was made even more special by all participants wearing sarongs, which symbolize the strength of the pesantren culture. This traditional costume shows that modern innovations such as Blockchain can be in line with Indonesia's cultural values.

This cooperation is part of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). By introducing Blockchain technology in Islamic boarding schools, Indonesia's young generation is invited to not only study religion but also enter the world of future technology. This aims to keep them relevant and ready for the digital era. Blockchain technology is an advanced database mechanism that enables transparent sharing of information within a business network. A blockchain database stores data in blocks that are linked together in a chain.

The signing at the Consulate General in Dubai is not just a formal agreement but also proof that tradition and technology can go hand in hand, building a better future for Indonesia.