In this competition, Team Amreta Panthegris presented a work titled SKUY (Self-Closing Kinetic-Barrier and Urban-Aquifer). This innovation emerged as an answer to the tidal flood problems in coastal Jakarta. The team observed that tidal floods in the region have a distinctive or periodic pattern, where the water level reaches its highest point following the full moon spring tide phase. To address this, they adapted the Self-Closing Flood Barrier from the Netherlands, which utilizes the principle of buoyancy to hold back rising sea levels automatically. When the sea level rises, the increase in hydrostatic pressure will push the aluminum panels to lift due to buoyancy, forming a barricade that prevents seawater intrusion into the land. Conversely, when the sea level recedes, the hydrostatic pressure decreases and the panels return to their original position.

In addition to tidal flooding, Team Amreta Panthegris also highlighted the issue of land subsidence caused by excessive groundwater extraction. Although the amount of extraction is currently decreasing, local residents still find it difficult to access clean water. To this end, SKUY offers a desalination system to process seawater trapped during high tide into raw water. Furthermore, the desalinated water can be reinjected into the ground to inhibit the rate of land subsidence.

The success achieved by Amreta Panthegris was certainly not easy. Formulating the idea was the most challenging phase because the team was required to analyze the case and create relevant solutions. However, the struggle paid off with the title they brought home.

"Relieved because everything we fought for was not in vain, and at the same time happy to achieve the win with my teammates," said Fardan, one of the group members.

For Team Amreta Panthegris, this competition brought many valuable lessons. According to them, the thing that must always be remembered is "calming the mind," which means avoiding self-doubt while preparing optimally. With this principle, even the most difficult obstacles can be faced and opportunities to grow remain open.

Reporter: Qoulan Tsaqila, Civil Engineering 2023