UNS – A team of students from Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta has achieved remarkable success in the Futuristic and Prestige Research, Technology, and Art (Faperta) Fair 5 organized by the Sentosa Foundation. Gabriela Deananda Meysanti from the Agrotechnology Study Program and Muhammad Ivan Rizki from the Agricultural Extension and Communication Study Program, both students of the Faculty of Agriculture (FP) UNS, won first place in the essay category and a gold medal in the poster category.

Anindya and Ivan focused on agriculture in this competition. Their innovative idea, the Solar-Powered Ultrasonic Rat Repellent (SIRKUS), addresses the issue of rat infestations in rice fields, which significantly reduce rice production. This, in turn, affects the economy of farmers and rice traders.

The SIRKUS device harnesses solar energy to activate various components, including an ultrasonic speaker. This type of wave disrupts the hearing of rats in the rice fields, causing them to leave the area and thus protecting the rice crops.

“SIRKUS is a rat repellent device for rice fields that utilizes solar energy, converting it into electrical energy to power components like Arduino Uno, passive infrared sensors, and speakers that emit ultrasonic waves to disturb the rats’ hearing,” Ivan explained to uns.ac.id on Tuesday (16/7/2024).

Through the SIRKUS concept, they noted the year-round availability of sunlight in Indonesia. This energy is economical and emission-free. The cost of designing this device is also much more economical with a longer lifespan compared to using pesticides or other chemicals, which are harmful to the environment and less efficient.

They developed this idea considering the need for society to adopt more sustainable and economical methods in the era of globalization. SIRKUS is a contribution towards supporting SDG point 9 and enhancing food self-sufficiency in Indonesia.

“The rat repellent will be more effective and quicker, maintaining ecological balance by driving rats away instead of exterminating them,” Ivan added.

The Faperta Fair 5 left a positive impression on them. Gabriela acknowledged the many brilliant ideas from all the finalists. This competition made her realize that there are many areas that can be developed to achieve a progressive Indonesia. Ivan was also impressed by the opportunity to meet students from various regions of Indonesia.

“Seeing the enthusiasm of students from various universities inspires us to contribute even more to Indonesia’s development,” Gabriela said.

UNS Wins Overall Championship

UNS was also crowned the overall champion after its students won first and third place in the essay category and a gold medal in the poster category. The third-place essay winners were three Agribusiness students: Anindya Keysha Mega Kauna, Bre Syarestaji, and Valerina Nara Christiantia. Their team proposed funding acceleration for Integrated Waste Processing Sites (TPST) to mitigate the impact of waste accumulation and leachate pollution.

Humas UNS

Reporter: R. P. Adji

Editor: Dwi Hastuti