Five students from Universitas Indonesia (UI) Faculty of Engineering (FT) have created an innovative new device called *The Green Giant Purifier*, a large air filter designed to help combat Jakarta’s air pollution. The team, led by Nur Aziza Putri (Civil Engineering 2021) and consisting of Kethlin Zaneta (Civil Engineering 2021), Mustofa Cahaya Wiguna (Environmental Engineering 2021), Ongko Abiyoga Witjaktomo (Civil Engineering 2021), and Fitra Mulya Saputra (Civil Engineering 2021), will present their innovation at the 37th National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS) from October 14–19, 2024.
Under the guidance of Dr. Nyoman Suwartha, S.T., M.T., a lecturer in the Environmental Engineering Study Program, FTUI’s Department of Civil Engineering, their innovation successfully passed the selection process for the Student Creativity Program (PKM) in the Constructive Idea Video (VGK) category, which was announced by the Indonesian Talent Development Center under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology on August 28.
The innovation was developed in response to the deteriorating air quality in Jakarta. “On June 18, 2024, Jakarta became the city with the worst air quality in the world, reaching 219 on the US Air Quality Index (AQI). This is extremely unhealthy, worsened by the limited green space in the city,” said Nur Aziza.
FTUI Dean, Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, M.Eng., IPU, stated, “The Green Giant Purifier is a significant innovation in addressing air pollution issues in Jakarta, which is known as one of the cities with the worst air quality worldwide. Utilizing environmentally friendly and energy-efficient technology, this device is made from readily available materials and follows a zero-waste concept.”
The Green Giant Purifier is a 14-meter diameter air filtration device covering an area of 153.938 m². The device combines a terrarium concept with renewable energy technology using solar panels as its power source. It is designed to utilize *Sansevieria* plants, known for their active compounds that reduce harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO). The implementation of this system is planned to take a total of seven years, covering the initiation, construction, and maintenance phases.
“The device works by filtering air through several layers, where the air is drawn in and filtered, reducing up to 65% of pollutants,” explained Nur Aziza. Powered by solar panels, this system operates sustainably without additional energy sources and requires minimal space, making it an effective solution to air pollution problems.
Nur Aziza hopes that the Jakarta Provincial Government will adopt this idea to improve air quality and reduce the health impacts of pollution. This innovation is not only eco-friendly but can potentially save public health costs. “The government could reduce losses from respiratory diseases by over 47 billion rupiahs by adopting this device,” said Nur Aziza. The device can reduce pollutants by up to 65% and can be produced with a budget of approximately 120 million rupiah per unit.
Academic Support and Sustainability
The development process of this device was not without challenges, especially in integrating technology with sustainable concepts aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly points 11 and 13, which relate to sustainable cities and addressing climate change. “With this system, we hope the air quality in Jakarta will improve, enabling people to live healthier lives,” said Dr. Nyoman Suwartha, the team’s academic supervisor.
The team’s success in passing the selection demonstrates their academic proficiency and innovation, as well as their concern for environmental and public health issues. With hopes of winning the Gold Medal at PIMNAS 2024, Nur Aziza and her team aspire for this idea to materialize and benefit the people of Jakarta. Through this cross-disciplinary collaboration, they are optimistic that *The Green Giant Purifier* can make a real positive impact by creating a healthier environment for all.
Nur Aziza and her team hope their innovation will win the Gold Medal at PIMNAS 2024 and be implemented in the real world, collaborating with the Jakarta Provincial Government to create a healthier Jakarta. Details of this innovation can be accessed through the following link: https://bit.ly/TheGreenGiantPurifier.
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Public Communication Office
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia
