The ITB team consisted of Rianti Rahmadani, Fikri Maulana Yusup, and Dyesz Tiara Tshafira, under the supervision of Dr. Riantini Virtriana, S.T., M.T. This achievement reflects ITB students’ contribution to advancing geospatial-based research in addressing environmental challenges.

Formed Through a Shared Interest in Environmental Issues
The team’s idea originated from Rianti’s personal experience and concern regarding peatland fires in her hometown of Riau. Her interest in remote sensing encouraged her to collaborate with two fellow students, Fikri and Fira, who share similar interests in GIS and remote sensing.

“I am genuinely interested in exploring remote sensing, especially related to peatland issues that are highly prone to fires. That’s when I invited Fikri, whom I have known since the first-year program, and later Fira, who shares the same interests,” said Rianti.

This shared passion eventually formed a team with strong capabilities in research and spatial mapping.

Motivation: Climate Change Issues and the Urgency of Peatland Management
Fikri and Rianti explained that their primary motivation for participating in the competition was the relevance of the theme to future climate change challenges.

“The application of GIS and remote sensing combined with machine learning approaches is highly relevant to current issues. Peatlands store vast amounts of carbon, and when they burn, they release extremely high emissions,” they explained.

Through this scientific work, the team hopes to contribute to achieving the Net Zero Emission 2060 target, in line with Geodetic EXPO’s focus on utilizing geospatial data to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

From Abstract to Final: Presenting from Aboard a Ship
The competition began with an abstract selection stage. The ITB team proposed the use of machine learning, remote sensing, and GIS to analyze peatland fire risks, along with a comparative analysis of several optimal machine learning methods. After passing the abstract stage, they proceeded to develop a full paper and advanced as national finalists.

A unique challenge arose during the final presentation session. At the time, all three team members were participating in a hydrography field excursion as part of the Hydrography course, requiring them to deliver their presentation online from a ship and bus during transit.

“The paper preparation went smoothly. The biggest challenge was during the presentation, as we had to prepare everything while moving from the ship to the bus. However, thankfully, everything went well,” said Fira.

The following day, the official announcement named the ITB team as National First Place winners, accompanied by the Best Presentation award.

Team Strategy: Trust, Communication, and Commitment to Learning
Facing the dynamics of the competition and various field challenges, Fikri emphasized the importance of communication and team cohesion.

“The most important thing is to trust the team. When someone faces difficulties, communicate, discuss, and learn together. Everything can be resolved if the team is solid,” he said.

One of the most memorable moments for the team was the appreciation from the judges. “One of the judges described our work as next level and even suggested that it be further developed into an undergraduate thesis. They found the comparative analysis of machine learning methods for peatland fire risk mapping to be complex and challenging,” Rianti shared.

A Message for ITB Students
In closing, the three students shared a message for fellow ITB students aspiring to achieve academic excellence.

“Don’t be afraid to start and don’t be afraid to learn. If you encounter obstacles, don’t hesitate to consult experts. ITB lecturers are highly supportive and open to discussion. Keep exploring,” advised Fira and Fikri.

This achievement not only marks a proud milestone for the team but also highlights ITB students’ tangible contribution to environmental issues, spatial mapping, and sustainable development in Indonesia.