Indonesian Student Wins International Silver Medal in Japan for Eco-Friendly Air Purifier

TIMESINDONESIA, TOKYO – From a humble background in Pasuruan to the international spotlight in Tokyo, Faridah Zaskia Zannuba, a bright young student and santri from SMASIF Bumi Shalawat Sidoarjo, has brought pride to Indonesia by winning the Silver Medal at the Japan Design, Idea & Invention Expo (JDIE) 2025.

Held at Ballesale Haneda Airport on July 5–6, 2025, the international expo showcased cutting-edge ideas from over 366 teams across 25 countries, including Canada, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Russia. Zaskia, leading her team of four, presented SCAPE 2.5, an energy-efficient portable air purifier that earned them the second-highest honor in the Green Technology category.

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SCAPE 2.5: A Simple Idea with Global Impact

SCAPE 2.5 is designed to tackle PM2.5 air pollution in semi-open environments such as hallways, cafeterias, smoking areas, and small industrial spaces. The device uses an Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) system with copper and aluminum electrodes to generate a high-voltage electric field. This field ionizes airborne particles, which are then captured by the collector plates.

It is also equipped with a fan, HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter, increasing its effectiveness. According to Zaskia, the tool can reduce PM2.5 concentration by up to 77.78% within 60 minutes at 400V.

“We wanted to develop something useful for real-life situations, especially in cities where air quality is a concern,” Zaskia explained in a phone interview with Times Indonesia. “SCAPE 2.5 is compact, affordable, and highly efficient—perfect for daily use.”

More Than Just a Competition

For Zaskia, JDIE was more than just a platform to compete—it was a life-changing experience. The opportunity to meet other young inventors and witness global innovation firsthand opened her mind to what the future could hold.

“Being at JDIE felt like stepping into a world of ideas. I didn’t just see advanced technology—I connected with the stories, dreams, and passion behind each creation,” she shared.

"What made this experience unforgettable was the community of dreamers. We exchanged ideas, supported each other, and built friendships that I’ll cherish forever. I came home with a deeper belief in myself and the importance of innovation.”

A Leader with Vision

As the team leader, Zaskia attributes their success not only to technical skill but also to teamwork and strong communication.

She encourages young innovators to start small, learn consistently, and never hesitate to ask questions. Her tips for succeeding in international competitions? Focus on creating solutions that truly address real problems, build a working prototype, and communicate the idea clearly.

“It’s not just about building a cool gadget,” she said. “You have to show how your idea benefits people and the planet. And always work with a strong, supportive team. That makes all the difference.”

Family Support: The Foundation of Success

Zaskia’s achievement was warmly celebrated by her parents. Her mother, Helmi Sudiono Fauzan, was especially moved when she learned her daughter would lead the team representing their school at an international level.

“We were already proud when she was chosen to lead the team,” Helmi said. “But when we heard they won silver among 366 teams, we were overwhelmed with joy. Seeing her raise the Indonesian flag in Tokyo was truly unforgettable.”

Helmi, a leader in Fatayat NU Bangil, emphasized the family’s commitment to supporting Zaskia’s education and dreams.

“Education is the best gift we can give to our children. We’ll always be here to cheer her on.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Faridah Zaskia Zannuba is more than just a medalist—she is a role model for youth across Indonesia, especially for girls in pesantren who dream big. Her story proves that with determination, creativity, and the right guidance, young Indonesians can shape the future and shine on the world stage.

Her journey from Pasuruan to Tokyo is a beacon of hope, reminding us that innovation knows no boundaries—and that the next big idea can come from anywhere. (*)

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