The Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Award is an award program launched this year to promote science, technology and innovation that contributes to solving social issues and realizing a sustainable society in the ASEAN region.
This award recognizes individuals and groups that undeniably served public interests through their outstanding achievements in research and development (R&D) in the fields of science and technology, including their visions of an ideal future society and social implementation plans for R&D as a means of achieving SDGs.
In this first year, 18 universities and research institutes in six ASEAN countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Vietnam were invited to submit R&D results that contribute to the following targets of SDGs Goal 2 " End Hunger " and Goal 3 " Good Health and Well-being ".
Goal 2 “End Hunger”
Target: 2.2 Address nutritional needs, 2.3 Double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, 2.4 ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices
Goal 3 “Good Health and Well-being”
Target: 3.3 End the epidemics and combat communicable diseases, 3.6 Halve deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents, 3.8 Achieve universal health coverage, 3.9 Reduce deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and contamination pollution of air, water, and soil
We received applications from above eligible universities and research institutes by recommendation, and the final 12 recipients were selected through a document screening and an online interview by the selection committee.
Due to the spread of COVID-19, we have decided to cancel the award ceremony, which was originally scheduled to be held in Tokyo in January 2021. Therefore, in lieu of a report on the award ceremony, we would like to introduce research overviews and messages of the recipients as follows.
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Best Innovation Award
 “Rehabilitation and Conservation of Citarum Watershed in Indonesia” Target 3.9 |
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| Name | Ajeng Arum Sari |  |
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| Affiliation/Title | Head Research Unit for Clean Technology Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) |
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| Country | Indonesia  |
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| Research Title | “Rehabilitation and Conservation of Citarum Watershed: from Monitoring to Implementation of Advanced Technologies” | |
| Social issue | The Citarum River in West Java holds the title of one of the most polluted places in the world. Two main problems related to Citarum watershed are industrial wastewater and domestic waste, including plastic waste. In densely populated and slum areas, there are sanitation problems. Indonesian President targeted within seven years the highly polluted Citarum River to become the cleanest river that increases the quality of life of people on the watershed. | |
| Achievement of R&D | Several technologies have been developed to overcome environmental problems in Citarum Watershed. The results on riverine debris monitoring show that about 80% of the total weight and volume of debris is plastic waste. The amount of plastic waste is estimated at 5000 pieces/day. Further, we developed biodegradable plastic and biofoam to replace the plastic partially. To treat the textile wastewater, we develop immobilization of the ligninolytic enzyme on several biomaterials matrix and adsorption by using newly adsorbent. Nanobubble is applied to treat river water, significantly to reduce 99% odour and colour. Besides, constructed wetland can adsorb organic pollutant. We also develop a system that can process wastewater into valuable products. We designed and installed an anaerobic multi-stage fixed bed reactor to treat high organic polluted tofu wastewater. Biogas, a by-product, is applied to be used for cooking purposes to households. To reduce the discharge of domestic waste to the river, we developed urine diverted composting toilet system. The collected urine and faeces can be converted into liquid fertilizer and compost. |
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| Social Implementation | Two main things are considered in the development of our technologies. First, the strategy to keep the sustainability of these technologies is held by the community and industry. Second, these technologies can generate a profit to them. In the future, these technologies can be also applied in other sectors economically and technically feasible. The community have the responsibility to maintain the sustainability of all technologies so they can many benefits, such as clean water availability, make renewable energy, value-added products, and reducing illness because of pollution. With the nanobubble and wetland system, we can get new water resources in oxbows area so that we will not gain the water in the dry season. Implementation immobilized system is done for communal textile industry/SME. Anaerobic treatment can keep biogas production to meet the needs of served households. The treated water can be used to watering the agriculture field during the dry season so it can ensure food availability. Composting toilet can end open defecation and provide access to sanitation and hygiene. | |
| Social Impact, Contribution to the SDGs | Our R&D contribute to SDGs, especially goal number 3, 6, 7, 11, and 12. Properly treating the polluted water can reduce water pollution to Citarum rivers, improve water quality, increase water use efficiency, and ensure freshwater supplies. Community participation strengthens the effectiveness of natural resource usage using 3-R (reduce, re-use and recycle). We can also reduce the number of illness from pollution. Further, we can get sustainable cities and communities through safe and affordable housing. | |
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| Message from Awardee | I, on behalf of the team, would like to thank The Hitachi Global Foundation for giving this award. I also thank the chairman of LIPI, who always support our research and development. Our activities are the result of collaboration between LIPI, industries/ small-medium enterprises, and community. When we come together and think on a global scale, we can improve the rehabilitation and conservation of Citarum watershed and achieve a sustainable society. | |
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Best Innovation Award
“Creating Added Values of Agricultural and Fishery Products by Low Temperature Processing Solution ‘JEVA’ ” Target 2.3 |
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| Name | Tan Minh Nguyen |  |
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| Affiliation/Title | Associate Professor. Director Institute for R&D of Natural Products (INAPRO) Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) |
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| Country | Vietnam  |
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| Research Title | “JEVA - The smart and mobile technological solution to concentrate heat sensitive solutions (fruit juices, herbal extracts,...) for creating added values of agricultural and fishery products” | |||||||||||||
| Social issue | Vietnam has moved from a country with low agricultural productivity to a famous agricultural export country, ranking 2nd in Southeast Asia and 15th in the world. However, 90% of vegetables and fruits are still exported in fresh form, and the product value is still not high. The lack of appropriate post-harvest technologies for processing SMEs with scattered cultivation areas and highly seasonal featured harvest is causing Vietnam to lose trillions of dong every year. | |||||||||||||
| Achievement of R&D | JEVA is the world's first industrial-scale evaporation solution with technological breakthroughs:
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| Social Implementation | The JEVA technological solution includes technology solution (software), device solution (hardware) and operational database of various materials (different tropical fruits, herbal extracts,...). Sample product productions in request of different enterprises with the JEVA prototype from September 2016 to date confirmed superior features and applicability of JEVA technology. Based on this background, a business model was developed. JEVA technological solution can be launched in the market in 3 forms, namely: (1) Sold directly to manufacturing companies (2) Rented out on a sharing basis. The potential customer is SME, cooperatives, farms located at different geographical locations, at different times of the year (3) Franchised. JEVA technological solution can only be effectively implemented if technology developer continuously accompanies potential customers at every stage of the project, which can be divided into six consecutive steps:
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| Social Impact, Contribution to the SDGs | The contribution of JEVA technology solution to SDGs is summarized in following table:
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Photos of rescue actions with JEVA Technology for watermelon and dragon fruit in February and March 2020 |
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| Message from Awardee | Innovations developed based on respect for natural values and diversity like JEVA technology could enable:
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Outstanding Innovation Award
 “Energy Recovery and Organic Fertilizer Production from Waste Sludge” Target 3.9 |
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| Name | Do Van Manh |  |
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| Affiliation/Title | Associate Professor Institute of Environmental Technology Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) |
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| Country | Vietnam |
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| Research Title | “Research and Development Technique to Treat Waste Sludge for Energy Recovery and Organic Fertilizer Production.” | |
| Social issue | Resulting from this R&D, should have a look about waste and this urges people having responsibility for their disposal. Thereby, waste should be processed into a new product and a new chain value. | |
| Achievement of R&D | The research has contributed to solving scientific aspect from theory to practice. In terms of technology, for the first time in Vietnam, the authors have mastered the technique and manufactured HGRPB equipment to purify biogas at low cost and operate the system as industrial scale. Moreover, the technical solution that applied in practice is very suitable for the trend of digitalization, through automated operating procedures, saving energy and generating lower emission and producing organic fertilizer from waste. | |
| Social Implementation | The social significance implementation from this research is to solve both waste treatment and create a value chain of products to contribute to the development of renewable energy and organic agriculture. Especially important for Vietnam, we are a developing country, we need energy to serve our purpose of economic growth and social development. However, when focusing on economic development that will bring about environmental consequences, so this study is based on the internal problems of the conflict and comes to a thorough resolution. Therefore, waste is considered as a valuable resource to produce eco-friendly products and create value for agriculture. | |
| Social Impact, Contribution to the SDGs | Social impact and contribution to sustainable development goals at three aspects:
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| Message from Awardee | Let’s action for social and global, not for today or for tomorrow but for now! | |
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Outstanding Innovation Award
“Development of Early Cardiovascular Disease Detection Devices ‘NIVA’ ” Target 3.8 |
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| Name | Tati Latifah E Rajab Mengko |  |
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| Affiliation/Title | Professor. Biomedical Engineering School of Electrical Engineering and Informatics Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) |
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| Country | Indonesia |
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| Research Title | “Development of Early Cardiovascular Disease Detection Devices NIVA: Non-Invasive Vascular Analyzer” | |
| Social issue | Decreasing mortality and disability due to cardiovascular disease can improve people's quality of life. Non-invasive measurement techniques can encourage everyone to check their health regularly. This can make people aware of the risk of the disease so that they can improve their lifestyle to avoid heart attacks and strokes. | |
| Achievement of R&D | Cardiovascular diseases begin with the appearance of 'plaque' in arteries that are the main cause of blockages. A plaque will form in unhealthy blood vessels due to abnormalities in endothelial cells. Blood vessel health measuring devices were developed by using blood pressure cuff and optical sensors that are non-invasively attached to the hands and feet. The operation of the device is controlled by a computer to provide accurate results. The results of PPG signal measurements and blood pressure can provide information about the 'level of health' of blood vessels to predict the risk of heart disease and stroke. | |
| Social Implementation | This research activity is a collaboration between a team of cardiologists and engineers. The team is also working closely with industry partners to finish the industrial-scale prototype which is now ready for technical and clinical testing. The resulting device is expected to assist the government in promoting the Healthy Living Movement program (GERMAS: Gerakan Masyarakat Hidup Sehat) especially for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Blood vessel health measuring devices will be available in all primary health care facilities so that people can conduct blood vessel health checks earlier to reduce the incidence of heart attacks and strokes. | |
| Social Impact, Contribution to the SDGs | NIVA (non-invasive vascular analyzer) can determine the level of risk for cardiovascular disease (Goal 3). The existence of this product can prevent the occurrence of heart attacks and strokes (Target 3.3). Furthermore, the insurance premiums to can be lowered by reduced number of heart attack and stroke sufferers (Target 3.8). | |
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| Message from Awardee | The use of Niva will deliver Socio-economic impacts. First, it can be used for early detection (public screening) of blood vessels stiffness. The result then can give a rough figure of community lifestyle (public health) and triggers medical preventive actions to improved community lifestyle as well as public insurance policies. Second, it will reduce mortality rate due to heart and blood vessels irregularities. These advantages will than bring the community closer to the Biomedical Engineering objectives, which is improving the quality of public health services and the quality of life within the community. |
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 “Development of Hybrid Zero Water Discharge-Recirculating Aquaculture System Technology for Shrimp Farming” Target 2.4 |
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| Name | Gede Suantika |
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| Affiliation/Title | Professor School of Life Sciences and Technology Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) |
| Country | Indonesia |
| Research Title | “Development and Application of a Hybrid Zero Water Discharge (ZWD)-Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) Closed Aquaculture System for Sustainable Super- Intensive Shrimp Farming” |
| Summary Several disadvantages are still attributed to the conventional shrimp production system: less water quality management, high pollution and disease outbreaks, which lead to unpredictable culture performance and environmental-economic issues. To solve this sustainability issues, a “Hybrid Zero Water Discharge (ZWD)-Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) Technology” has been developed. The ZWD maintains water quality through microbial loop manipulation by: probiotic Bacillus megaterium (enhances ammonification), nitrifying bacteria consortium (ammonium-nitrite removal), and diatom Chaetoceros muelleri (uptake nitrate, shading, and bacteria control). In RAS, the effluent water is treated through: 1. Settling tank for sedimentation of coarse particulate organic matter, 2. Physical filtration (protein skimmers for fine particulate organic/protein matter and activated carbon for toxic substances absorption), 3. Ozonizer/disinfection, 4. Biofilter for ammonium-nitrite removal. The hybrid system significantly improves water quality and efficiency, environment friendly, allows high productivity and promotes growth for both urban and industrial farmers (small-medium-mass scale) at several aquaculture locations in Indonesia. |
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 “Development of Aquatic Bioscience Research and Human Resources in Myanmar” Target 2.4 |
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| Name | Kay Lwin Tun |
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| Affiliation/Title | Professor Fisheries and Aquaculture University of Yangon (UOY) |
| Country | Myanmar  |
| Research Title | “Development of Aquatic Bioscience Research in Myanmar” |
| Summary The fisheries and aquaculture sectors in Myanmar is significantly important to the nutrition security and economy of the country. However, the production was generally low because of the practice of traditional farming technology. We developed the Laboratory of Aquatic Bioscience in University of Yangon in 2008 since we aspired to focus on the research related to aquaculture and fisheries. Through research and development, we have provided technical support to the small scales as well as large scale farmers in order to increase the production of aquaculture and to improve food safety and quality. In addition, we have focused on the capacity building of faculty members and students who are interested in aquatic bioscience research. In 2018, the first (BSc) Fisheries and Aquaculture program in Myanmar was developed in the Laboratory of Aquatic Bioscience. Globally competent faculty and students from the program have coordinated research, teaching and service activity to develop the sustainable fisheries and aquaculture sectors in Myanmar. |
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 “Development of Inexpensive and Safe Bio-Pesticides and Fertilizers for Food Safety and Sustainable Agriculture” Target 2.3 |
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| Name | Kim Eang Tho |
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| Affiliation/Title | Deputy Director Division of Research and Innovation Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) |
| Country | Cambodia  |
| Research Title | “Proving concept, development of prototypes, inclusive production and marketing for integrated and synergistic bio-pesticides and fertilizers for food safety and sustainable agriculture in Cambodia” |
| Summary Application of intensive chemical pesticides pause significant risks to human health and the environment. In urban areas, homegarden activities for decoration and foods have become a new normal, especially after Covid outbreak. Demands of inputs suitable to urban conditions also increase. Our R&D have focused on testing of prototypes and product development of two integrated technological packages, including iGreenSYNERGY (mixture of foliage fertilizer + natural anti insect and microbial compounds + Induced resistance + natural surfactant in one spray bottle) and 3-Essential Oils (Neem + Citrus + Citronella + natural surfactant in one product for pesticide spray), which are simple, easy to use, completely safe and suitable for ornamental and potting plants in urban areas. Their production is based on inclusive approach with local communities to supply raw materials, and outreach to input suppliers and end-users for marketing. This could help improve local farmers’ incomes, general public health and wellbeing. |
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 “Development of Efficient and Customizable Kapok Fiber Adsorbents for Water Treatment Applications” Target 3.9 |
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| Name | Mary Donnabelle Balela |
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| Affiliation/Title | Professor Department of Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering University of the Philippines Diliman (UPDL) |
| Country | the Philippines  |
| Research Title | “Development of Efficient and Customizable Kapok Fiber Adsorbents for Water Treatment Applications” |
| Summary Water scarcity and pollution are serious consequences of rapid urbanization and industrialization. As developing countries in ASEAN, like the Philippines, strive for progressive and inclusive economic growth, creating sustainable communities with access to basic needs and services, such as clean water, will be a challenge. Various kapok sorbents were developed to address different types of pollutants, such as metals, dyes and oil. The kapok sorbents could be tailored to suit the targeted pollutants to be removed and their form could be customized for ease of integration in existing water purification system. By introducing low-cost technologies, more municipalities, in rural and urban areas, could install waste treatment facilities, limiting discharge of untreated municipal and industrial effluents to bodies of water. Kapok is a low value economic fiber. This work could contribute to the valorization of kapok, stimulating the kapok industry, which could lead to job creation and local economic growth. |
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 “Research of Mass Drug Administration with “Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) + primaquine (PQ) for Malaria Elimination” Target 3.3 |
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| Name | Mayfong Mayxay |
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| Affiliation/Title | Professor, Vice-Rector Institute of Research and Education Development (IRED) University of Health Sciences of Lao PDR (UHS-Laos) |
| Country | Laos  |
| Research Title | “Mass drug administration (MDA) with malaria medicines called “Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) + primaquine (PQ)” as a tool for malaria elimination in Laos” |
| Summary Ending malaria by 2013 is one of SDG-3 targets among many countries including Laos. Eliminating malaria is facing with malaria drug-resistance and people carrying malaria without being sick - these people are important source of disease spread if not treated. We urgently need effective tools to end malaria. Mass drug administration (MDA) – the presumptive treatment of entire population to clear malaria source (regardless of whether they have malaria), is a strategy to accelerate malaria elimination but remains controversial. We did MDA field experiments using antimalarial medicines “Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP)+primaquine (PQ). The experiments showed that MDA is safe, well tolerated, achieved high population coverage and adherence, and had substantial impact on malaria reduction–therefore might be a useful tool to accelerate malaria elimination. Drawing from this initial success in Laos, future malaria control and elimination program elsewhere, particularly in malaria countries where majority of very poor people are living, may become successful as well. This will, therefore, contribute to achieve SDG-related concept of “leaving no one behind”. |
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 “Development of Indonesian Medicinal Plants as Herbal Medicines and Drugs for Treatment of Infectious Diseases” Target 3.3 |
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| Name | Muhammad Hanafi |
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| Affiliation/Title | Professor. Research Centre for Chemistry Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) |
| Country | Indonesia |
| Research Title | “Development of Indonesian Medicinal Plants as Herbal Medicines and Drugs for Treatment of Infectious Diseases” |
| Summary The current infection diseases issue represents a global problem of fundamental importance. It has been estimated that endemic infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, hepatitis, COVID 19, have caused 8% deaths worldwide. By focusing on utilization of Indonesian biodiversity as a source of active herbal medicine and active metabolites to develop candidate drugs hoping our aim to eradicate a wide range of infectious diseases as well as recent health emergency COVID 19. Our approach to combat this crisis exploits natural products that proved to be a superior source of drug candidate. API and herbal products for malaria, HCV, dengue, hepatoprotector, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer and candidate for anti Covid-19. We have done collaboration with pharmaceutical industries for production methyl cinnamate, catechin, piperine, and artemisinin; Standardized Herbal Medicine and Phytopharmaca products for develop C. asiatica as hepatoprotector, and C. alata and Dendrophtoe sp. as anti-dengue and candidate anti Covid-19. |
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 “Application of Capacitive Deionization (CDI) Technology for Treating the Brackish Ground Water” Target 3.9 |
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| Name | Seinnlei Aye |
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| Affiliation/Title | Professor Water and Environmental Studies Department University of Yangon (UOY) |
| Country | Myanmar |
| Research Title | “Application of Capacitive Deionization (CDI) Technology for Treating the Brackish Ground Water in Dala, Yangon, Myanmar” |
| Summary The seawater intrusion and scarcity of potable water are getting worse in Dala, Yangon, Myanmar and it causes diarrhea from drinking dirty water. The capacitive deionization (CDI) technology was applied for the desalination of ground water, and ion adsorption characteristics and energy consumption were analyzed. The research proved that the efficient removal of ions, non-dependence on chemicals, easy regeneration of electrodes, eco-friendliness, and low energy consumption make CDI a suitable technology for potable water issue in Dala. The social implementation plan is to establish a water industry using CDI technology and to secure an abundant and stable supply of clean drinking water at low cost. This will be achieved by Public Private Partnership (PPP). The output of research can be applied in different areas of the world where the community is having the scarcity of clean drinking water problem due to seawater intrusion (Goal 3 _Good Health and Well-Being). |
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 “Batik Wastewater Treatment Method by Using Weathered Pumice” Target 3.9 |
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| Name | Zaenal Abidin |
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| Affiliation/Title | Associate Professor. Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences IPB University (IPB) |
| Country | Indonesia |
| Research Title | “Science and Education for Sustainable Development Based on Local Capability: Indonesian Eco-Batik for The World” |
| Summary After Batik awarded as a UNESCO cultural heritage in 2009, the production of Batik has increased significantly. However, Batik production also has produced waste that causes environmental damage. Therefore, it requires innovation in managing the Batik industry's waste so that the Batik industry could produce environmentally friendly Batik (eco-batik). Our innovation offers a simple and inexpensive method for the home-based batik industry to solve the batik wastewater problem. The local material used is weathered pumice from the soil environment, widely available to surround the batik industry area in Java Island. The concept of collaboration between the researcher and the Batik home-industry is "co-creating the future with the community by solving existing problems using local capabilities". This research's contribution to accelerating SDGs goals is especially on reducing or eliminating contaminants in water, air, and soil; and the formation of eco-friendly batik industries by using local materials to protect the environment. |
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Reference link
The Hitachi Global Foundation
Office of The Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Award
