UGM Students Triumph at Industrial Spectrum 2025 White Paper Competition: First Place and Best Presentation Awards
Students from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) achieved first place and received the Best Team Presentation award at the International Industrial Spectrum 2025 White Paper Competition. The winning team, known as FiNiX, included members Devita Ananda Pohan (Accounting 2023), Viola Kretapradana, and Hanna Aria Widiatma (Industrial Engineering 2023).
Competition Overview
The competition, which featured 66 teams from various universities throughout Indonesia, was organized by the Industrial Engineering Student Association of UGM. It took place on September 14 at the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at UGM.
Competition Structure
According to Pohan, the competition consisted of multiple stages. Teams began by submitting an abstract of their papers, followed by a semifinal round that required complete papers. The final round presented a case study challenge where teams analyzed and presented their findings within a limited timeframe.
Winning Paper Details
The FiNiX Team developed a paper titled “NiLestari: Building a Circular Economy in Indonesia’s Nickel Industry Through Tech-Integrated Waste Management,” focusing on the theme “Green Mining Downstream.” Their work addressed waste management challenges in Indonesia’s nickel mining sector, particularly in eastern regions such as Sulawesi and Papua. The team advocated for a circular economy model to better utilize nickel reserves in support of the electric vehicle (EV) battery industry, aligning with Indonesia’s position as a leading global supplier of nickel, which accounted for over 50% of the world’s production in 2023.
Final Stage Insights
During the final stage, the committee provided a new case study focusing on creating a circular economy for EV batteries in Indonesia. This topic was closely aligned with the team’s initial research proposal.
Research Relevancy
Pohan noted the relevancy of their research proposal, which emphasized developing a circular economy model for EV batteries in the country. The team did not only propose a model and supply chain framework; they also included policy recommendations aimed at promoting sustainable management of EV batteries.
Challenges and Learning Experience
While expressing pride in their achievements, Pohan acknowledged the challenges faced by the team, particularly as it was their first experience in a white paper competition, and the context of her background in accounting. She highlighted that the challenge facilitated her learning of new concepts and provided comprehensive insights into the transition to green mining and the EV supply chain in Indonesia.
Skills Enhancement
The experience was characterized as valuable for enhancing skills related to teamwork in a competitive setting, alongside gaining extensive knowledge in relevant fields.
Reporter: FEB UGM/Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Source: UGM News
