Waste Management Idea has Made Thursina IIBS Students Win Gold Medal in I2ASPO 2025
Waste is a major problem in Indonesia. The growing population here is not supported by effective recycling system. Waste sorting also cannot be fully done, causing the environment increasingly threatened. The insecurity caused by environment was felt by students of Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS). Kayla Azzahra Raharjo, Cinta Talitha Aziz, Kayla Areta Miza, and Mayra Rachmadiani Pramasasya poured out their ideas and thoughts through Sakoo. Sakoo offers a smart waste management solution based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically designed for public spaces. Sakoo combines components of a mobile application, a smart waste sorting machine (Sakoo bank), and a point exchange machine. The idea won a Gold Medal in Indonesia International Applied Science Project Olympiad (i2ASPO).
Kayla Azzahra Raharjo said the Sakoo system empowers users to find sorting machines to dispose of waste hygienically (without contact). Users are able to track points earned in the application and exchange them for goods. Sakoo would be a practical solution in modern cities to integrate sustainability into everyday life. "Through advanced technology, a reward system (points), and community involvement, Sakoo Will become more responsible waste management system, creating a cleaner and greener urban environment," she said.
The team conducted the trial in three phases. Firstly, collecting data and analyzing it. They did a survey regarding how waste management practices in urban communities, knowledge about waste, and challenges in sorting waste in public places by google form. The findings about community attitudes and behaviors towards waste management will help Sakoo adjust the educational features in the application.
The second phase is prototype development. In early prototype, Sakoo bank used the ESP8266 module and ultrasonic sensors to detect waste. The AI model was integrated into the system for automatic waste sorting, focusing on accuracy, response time, and reliability of the system. The ESP8266 acts as the main controller, connecting the waste sorting machine and the vending system to the network. The device has a wifi access, so it can send the latest information to the Sakoo application. "The system is real-time, to monitor the waste, points collected, and status reports from the machine. It is also energy efficient, suitable for public places,"
The final stage is designing Sakoo application on mobile and website. They use additional applications such as Canva, Figma, and Photoshop to design Sakoo. Clean and attractive design is the main strength of Sakoo's branding. The navigation system is made as easy as possible so that users are able to sort waste properly. The website uses the Laravel framework, while the mobile application uses Flutter technology.
Thursina IIBS encourages its students to innovate and provide real solutions to global problems. Sakoo's success in winning the gold medal is a clear evidence that research and technology-based education in Thursina IIBS is able to educate a generation that is not only academically intelligent, but also contributes to society. Full support from the school would develop creative ideas leading to positive changes to the environment and the world. (sls/lil)