MBACA.CO.CO.ID, PESISIR SELATAN — Toyota Eco Youth Encourages Eco-friendly Drone Innovation at SMAN 2 Painan. Toyota Indonesia keeps its promise to guide the finalists of the 25 best proposals of the 13th edition of Toyota Eco Youth programme, an environmental competition for junior/high school students of the same age. After visiting various cities such as Balikpapan, Surabaya, Manado, Makassar, Mojokerto, and Merauke, now SMAN 2 Painan in Pesisir Selatan Regency, West Sumatra is the next destination as part of Genba (field assistance) activities.
This visit is part of Toyota Indonesia’s efforts to finalise the vision and mission of the environmental project proposed by the finalists, so that it is more applicable, useful, and involves the participation of the wider community.
The winning proposal from SMAN 2 Painan entitled ‘Easy Catch’ presents an innovative solution in the form of using electric drones for food delivery, replacing fossil-fuelled motorised vehicles that have been a source of pollution and non-renewable energy consumption.
The use of drones is not only more environmentally friendly, but also maximises renewable energy resources around Painan. The energy used by the drone comes from the Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA) and its existence is very abundant in the area of West Sumatra.
With this innovation, the students are optimistic that the local economy will flourish by making it easier to deliver food and other items. In addition, they believe it will help improve time efficiency and claim to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion in the coastal area.
Meanwhile, Vice President Director of PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN), Bob Azam, expressed his appreciation for the students’ creative idea.
‘We are proud of SMAN 2 Painan’s Easy Catch innovation that is consistent with the spirit of carbon reduction. Such steps illustrate the importance of cooperation between various parties, including students, to shape a more beautiful future,’ said Bob during the Genba visit to SMAN 2 Painan.
As explained by Vice President Director of PT Toyota-Astra Motor (TAM), Henry Tanoto, the TEY programme not only aims to increase students’ knowledge of environmental issues, but also to shape their sense of caring for the future economic development of society.
‘Through TEY, we aim to create young leaders who can bring creative ideas to improve environmental conditions. We hope this programme will serve as a platform for the younger generation to explore and work together in realising environmentally friendly concepts with positive social and economic impacts,’ Henry explained.
Using a drone deployment method operated with electricity from a hydroelectric power plant, the Easy Catch programme is believed to create two significant consequences. Firstly, it contributes to the reduction of exhaust emissions from motorised vehicles. Secondly, it supports local economic development through increased efficiency in the distribution process of food products and other goods.
In addition, the project acts as a learning medium for the public on the suitability of renewable energy and how technology can help design a sustainable environment.
The 13th edition of Toyota Eco Youth with the theme ‘EcoActivism: It’s Time to Take Action to Protect the Earth’ shows how much youth can contribute in responding to the challenges of climate change and energy transition. Innovations such as Easy Catch prove that the vision of a more beautiful and inclusive world is not just limited to discussions-but has started through movements in the educational environment.