UNS – Another proud achievement was made by students of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta. This achievement was presented by Sani Rahmawati, a student from the Agrotechnology Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture (FP) UNS, Agustina Puspa Mentari, student from the Teacher Education and Elementary School Study Program (PGSD) Kebumen, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) UNS, and Tri Kurnianingsih, student from FP UNS Agricultural Extension and Communication Study Program.
When contacted by the uns.ac.id team on Tuesday (23/5/2023) Puspa as the team representative said that the idea that her team was promoting was an android application to check soil and water quality in organic farming. From this idea, Puspa and the team won the categories of Favorite Poster, Bronze Medal, and General Champion (the most accumulation of achievements from the combined team from UNS) in the El Bajo Essay Competition.
“After winning the championship, we are certainly happy. This is because the joy is not only because of winning the championship but also because we can meet and exchange ideas with each of the other participants who come from various regions, some even come from outside the island too,” Puspa continued.
Meanwhile, the idea that Puspa and the team innovated was based on facts in the field that this type of organic farming really needs extra care, especially the elements of soil and water. However, in the field it was found that the agricultural land was easily contaminated by chemicals from the rice field irrigation, in particular. Therefore, to assist farmers in maintaining organic farming soil and water quality so that they can be monitored, this application was raised in their essay.
Furthermore, the tips from Puspa and the team to win the championship are in harmony with the background of the problems and the ideas produced. This is the initial foundation not only to be able to become a champion but also to strengthen the team’s solidity.
“Second, brainstorming ideas among members is important as is understanding the expertise of team members for example, by dividing members into drafters, executors, and presenters of ideas. Therefore, the brainstorming here is really needed. Third, use several supporting tools to be able to collaborate together even though they are limited by distance, such as the Google Doc tool. Finally, of course there is the power of prayer. Not only from the three of us but from each relative as well,” Puspa said.
Furthermore, Puspa and the team also hoped that after participating in this activity, there would be great hope that the idea could be realized even though it does require time and collaboration from many parties. Through this championship, she hopes that it can be a trigger for her team to continue working through scientific writing. Even as learners, we cannot be quickly satisfied with what has been achieved.
“The last message from us is to really take advantage of the title “student”. The world is wide enough to explore. At least we need to challenge ourselves so that we can continue to “grow”. It doesn’t have to be in a race, because people’s capacities and focuses are different. When you feel like you need a competitive environment, participating in competitions is the answer. If you feel that life is “empty”, you may try to participate in community service and live directly with the community. Do you want to improve your skills in a certain field of knowledge? Try to get an internship. In essence, there is no reason for us to be stuck with ourselves,” Puspa said. Humas UNS
Reporter: Lina Khoirun Nisa
Redaktur: Dwi Hastuti