M. Iqbal Banoza Apriansyah, an undergraduate student of the Electrical Engineering Program at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia (FTUI), achieved a remarkable milestone by securing third place in the 2025 Universitas Indonesia Student of the Year competition (Pilmapres UI). He was also awarded Best Creative Idea and Best Science and Technology Cluster Student. The awarding ceremony took place on Friday (June 13) at Balai Sidang UI, Depok Campus.
The first-place winner of Pilmapres UI was Josia Nathanael Wiradikarta from the Faculty of Medicine, who also received awards for Best Health Cluster Student and Best English Proficiency. Second place went to Fauzan Abdillah Azzam from the Faculty of Psychology, who was also recognised for Outstanding Achievements, Best Curriculum Vitae, and Best Student in the Social Sciences and Humanities Cluster. The awards were presented directly by UI’s Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Ir. Mahmud Sudibandriyo, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Iqbal presented his project AirShare, an AI and IoT-based innovation designed to monitor air quality in real-time and recommend healthier routes across Jakarta. Equipped with sensors and integrated with machine learning through a mobile application, AirShare not only provides information on pollution levels but also suggests follow-up actions, such as optimizing vehicle routes and utilizing green open spaces (RTH).
“This innovation was designed to address Jakarta’s pressing issue as the city with the worst air quality in Indonesia, which contributes to thousands of premature deaths each year. AirShare is not just a monitoring tool but also a promotive and preventive solution, especially for Jakarta’s ride-hailing ecosystem,” said Iqbal.
Designed for flexibility, AirShare can be installed on both private and public vehicles, enabling more accurate and adaptive air quality monitoring. The project also encourages public participation, allowing citizens to register areas with good air quality as paid green open spaces (RTH), thereby fostering community involvement in building a healthier and more sustainable city.
Throughout the rigorous selection process of Pilmapres UI — from the department level to the final pitching session at Balai Sidang UI — Iqbal showcased excellence in innovation, English proficiency, academic achievements, and social contribution. His AirShare project was recognized as the Best Creative Idea in the Science and Technology Cluster.
“For me, representing FTUI in the Pilmapres was a huge responsibility. During the selection process, I just tried to give my best — for myself, my parents, my faculty, and everyone who trusted me with this responsibility. I hope this achievement can inspire other students to keep creating and making an impact,” Iqbal said.
This achievement was also warmly appreciated by the Dean of FTUI, Prof. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D.
“We are immensely proud of Iqbal’s accomplishment. His achievement is a testament to the innovative spirit, global competitiveness, and social awareness of FTUI students. Initiatives like AirShare demonstrate that our students not only excel academically but are also capable of delivering real, relevant solutions to societal challenges. Congratulations to Iqbal for being awarded Third Best Student of UI. This is a proud moment for both FTUI and Universitas Indonesia,” stated Prof. Kemas.
This success further reinforces FTUI’s position as an engineering education institution that not only produces excellent graduates but also fosters creativity, collaboration, and a meaningful impact on the nation’s advancement.
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Public Communications Office
Faculty of Engineering Universitas Indonesia
