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OKTAN ITB is an annual event by HMK ‘AMISCA’ ITB that was first held in 2014 as a platform to introduce the field of chemistry to the public, especially high school students. Over the years, the event has undergone several name and concept changes before evolving into its current form.

This year’s OKTAN ITB carried the theme “From Molecule to Ecosystem: Chemistry for Environmental Restoration”. The theme highlights how chemistry at the molecular level can be used to address environmental challenges that are closely linked to ecosystems. Chemistry offers various techniques to transform pollutants into substances that are safe for both ecosystems and humans. Ecosystem restoration involves applying chemical methods to remove pollutants and restore environmental balance, ultimately creating a healthier and more sustainable ecosystem.

OKTAN ITB 2025 drew a total of 2,037 participants across multiple competition categories, including:

1. Chemistry Biggest National Competition (CRYSTAL): A chemistry olympiad for high school students across Indonesia.

2. Indonesia's Innovative Research Competition (ISOTERM): A scientific paper competition for university students.

3. A Miracle to Journey Chemistry (ATOMIC): An exhibition of ISOTERM finalists’ work, scientific department projects, and creations by HMK ‘AMISCA’ ITB.

4. “Future Environment Sustainability Through Innovation” Talkshow featuring guest speakers Hadohoan Satyalen Simaremare, Founder and Initiator of FORPASI (Forum Peduli Sampah Seluruh Indonesia), and Arief Wiwaha, M.Eng.Env.Sc., Vice President and Head of ESG Performance and Reporting at Mining Industry Indonesia. They shared insights and experiences in promoting sustainability efforts in society and the industrial sector.

Several pre-event activities were also held, including a Teacher’s Day Webinar on November 24, 2024, themed “Green Chemistry for Innovation,” with guest speaker Dr. Rusnadi, S.Si, M.Si. Dr. Rusnadi emphasized interactive teaching methods in chemistry and discussed how green chemistry can be integrated into classroom learning and environmental preservation. The participation of teachers in OKTAN ITB is expected to broaden the impact of chemistry education and its application to a broader audience.

The event culminated on February 22, 2025, with a gala dinner, winner announcements, and award presentations for the CRYSTAL and ISOTERM competitions.

Five top teams advanced to the finals out of 734 participating teams in the CRYSTAL competition. The winners were:

1. 1st place: Team “Kuaci Besar Sekali” from Kesatuan Bangsa High School

2. 2nd place: Team “LAH” from SMA Negeri 10 Samarinda

3. 3rd place: Team “Murid Pak Anton” from SMA Negeri 4 Denpasar

4. 1st Honorable Mention: Team “Sudelgacor” from SMA Swasta Unggul Del

5. 2nd Honorable Mention: Team “Pondok Naufal Gank” from Bogor Vocational High School of Chemical Analysis (SMK SMAK Bogor)

In the ISOTERM competition, five top teams competed in the final round during the ATOMIC exhibition, selected from 222 total entries. The winners were:

1. 1st place: Team “FitoFlava” from Cilegon Chemical Analyst College

2. 2nd place and favorite winner: Team “Cellulosea” from Gajah Mada University (UGM)

3. 3rd place and Best Speaker: Team “Tuagapatma” from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS)

4. 1st runner-up: “The Toothfairies” from Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB)

5. Finalist: Team “EnviroPlasmonics” from Halu Oleo University 5.

The Student Affairs Advisor of the Chemistry Program at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMNS) ITB expressed appreciation for the event, recognizing it as a platform for chemistry students to creatively promote the application of chemistry in everyday life.

In addition to the competitions, the event also featured the launch of the book “Spectra 105,” which shares alumni experiences in the workforce and how the chemistry knowledge gained at ITB is applied across diverse professional fields. The book was the result of a collaborative initiative between ITB’s Chemistry Alumni Association (IAKI), the Chemistry Study Program, its Advisory Board, and HMK ‘AMISCA’ ITB. The book is expected to inspire high school students to explore career prospects in chemistry, its real-world applications, and consider the Chemistry Program at ITB as a pathway for their higher education.

Translator: Nabila Puspita (Bioengineering, 2022)