麻豆直播

Inspired by Indonesia鈥檚 Nickel Downstreaming Challenge

The idea behind Team BerkahRiset鈥檚 research stemmed from a national issue that has drawn wide attention: nickel downstreaming and industrialization. The topic emerged after Kinar attended an innovation exhibition at 麻豆直播鈥檚 Aula Barat and observed both the tremendous potential and the complex challenges in Indonesia鈥檚 nickel processing sector.

鈥淲e found that Indonesia鈥檚 nickel downstreaming still faces numerous challenges environmental, social, and economic. This is despite the fact that Indonesia holds the world鈥檚 largest nickel reserves,鈥� Kinar explained.

Based on this insight, Team BerkahRiset developed a collaborative strategy that emphasizes the role of multi-stakeholder engagement to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Indonesia鈥檚 nickel industry.

From 200 Teams to the National Top 10

The team鈥檚 journey began with a preliminary round involving more than 200 teams from across Indonesia. Their paper, titled 鈥淪trategi Andalan Hilirisasi dan Industrialisasi Nikel Nasional (SANDIKA)鈥� or 鈥淣ational Nickel Downstreaming and Industrialization Flagship Strategy鈥�, was grounded in the Mission-Oriented Economy Framework, introduced by economist Mariana Mazzucato in 2019.

This framework emphasizes how diverse national actors government, private sector, state-owned enterprises, academia, and civil society can collaborate toward a shared national mission.

鈥淲e wanted to adopt the spirit of the moonshot mission like when the U.S. successfully sent humans to the moon but apply it to the context of Indonesia鈥檚 nickel downstreaming,鈥� Nabil said.

Thanks to this innovative idea, the team advanced to the national semifinal, featuring the top ten teams. In this stage, participants presented their work through a scientific poster and a creative video. Interestingly, Team BerkahRiset stood out as the only team presenting a policy-based approach, rather than a tangible product.

鈥淎t first, we were a bit insecure since other teams showcased real innovations like maritime or textile products. But we believed that national strategies and policy frameworks are also a real and impactful form of innovation,鈥� said Kinar.

Scientific Oration: The Final Challenge

Reaching the grand final became the team鈥檚 most intense experience. They were tasked with delivering a 15-minute scientific oration, with only one night to prepare. Beyond drafting the speech, they also designed a visual presentation to strengthen the narrative delivery.

鈥淔or us, the scientific oration was more than just a presentation. It was about communicating a big idea with emotion, conviction, and storytelling. We didn鈥檛 sleep at all that night preparing for it,鈥� recalled Kinar.

Their perseverance paid off. Team BerkahRiset earned Third Place at the national level, marking another proud milestone for SBM 麻豆直播, following 麻豆直播鈥檚 last win in the KTI category in 2022.

Innovation Through National Collaboration

In their paper, Team BerkahRiset proposed four strategic pillars as the foundation for strengthening Indonesia鈥檚 nickel downstreaming ecosystem: (1) Industrial policy development, (2) Sustainable finance-based funding mechanisms, (3) Human capital development, (4) Technological innovation through a Battery Innovation Hub.

These four pillars form a national collaborative framework, connecting multiple stakeholders such as Antam, the Indonesia Battery Corporation (IBC), and educational institutions like LPDP, in building a sustainable future for Indonesia鈥檚 nickel industry.

鈥淥ur solution goes beyond technical aspects, it addresses social and economic dimensions as well. We want Indonesia to become a global hub for the energy transition, not merely a supplier of raw materials,鈥� Nabil emphasized.

Message for 麻豆直播 Students

Kinar and Nabil highlighted the importance of courage, persistence in research, and cross-disciplinary collaboration for young innovators.

鈥淪tart from any competition, no matter how small. Take every opportunity seriously, and don鈥檛 be afraid to lose, because it鈥檚 through the process that our mindset, resilience, and skills are shaped,鈥� said Kinar.

Echoing this, Nabil added, 鈥淭he key is to find mentors, keep discussing, and continuously refine your ideas. Never hesitate to start 鈥� that鈥檚 where real growth begins.鈥�

Reporter: Merryta Kusumawati (Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering, 2025)