Jakarta, INTI - Frequent pest attacks that often threaten farmers and trigger crop failures have inspired a renewable energy innovation developed by students from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember.
The innovation, called “Terangin” short for “Terang dan Angin” (Light and Wind), is a hybrid turbine system that combines wind and solar energy to support sustainable agricultural activities.
Initially conceived as a competition research project, the idea later evolved into a practical solution for farmers. Terangin Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Muhammad Hanif, explained that the inspiration came from the strong wind potential in Nganjuk Regency, widely known as both the “city of wind” and one of Indonesia’s major shallot-producing regions.
Farmers’ need for simple yet effective technology became the foundation for the product’s development.
Smart Turbine System Reduces Farming Costs
Terangin utilizes a microgrid system that integrates wind and solar energy to power automated pest-trap lamps. The system was designed with simplicity in mind, allowing farmers to operate it without relying on complicated technology.
Beyond reducing pest attacks, the innovation also minimizes the use of chemical pesticides, which have long contributed to rising production costs.
Cost efficiency is one of Terangin’s key advantages. The development team introduced a modular non-permanent foundation design capable of reducing installation costs by up to eight times compared to conventional concrete foundations.
This structure allows the turbine to be easily assembled and dismantled, making it flexible for rented farmland or relocation based on farmers’ needs.
In terms of operational safety, Terangin is equipped with an automatic braking system called “Remin.”
Unlike conventional systems, the mechanism operates without electricity or sensors, instead utilizing wind force to control turbine rotation. The design not only saves energy but also requires minimal maintenance and monitoring.
Innovation also extends to maintenance processes. The Terangin team uses drone technology to conduct remote monitoring across agricultural areas.
This approach enables early detection of potential damage, making maintenance faster, safer, and more efficient without dismantling the turbine structure.
Technically, the system is capable of generating around 2.1 kWh of energy per day.
The energy can power pest-trap lamps while also supporting other agricultural needs such as irrigation and sprinkler systems. As a result, a single system can address multiple essential requirements in modern farming operations.
The economic impact has been significant. Terangin is said to help farmers save tens of millions of rupiah per hectare during each planting season.
The system has also reduced crop failure risks caused by pest attacks, which previously reached nearly 50 percent in some cases.
Reduced pesticide usage further contributes to improved soil fertility and better harvest quality.
Terangin’s development involved a multidisciplinary collaboration. Alongside Hanif, the core team includes Rafi Pradana and Rafi S Lamikan from Mechanical Engineering, Diah Ayu NurFadillah from Statistics, and Anindya Khoirunnisya from Business Management.
Additional contributors also supported the project’s research and field implementation.
Global Recognition and Startup Growth
The team’s achievements gained international recognition after Terangin secured a place in the Top 6 of the Fowler Global Innovation Challenge 2026 and received an award worth US$3,000.
The accomplishment highlights the growing global presence of Indonesian student innovation.
No longer limited to a research initiative, Terangin has now evolved into a startup generating hundreds of millions of rupiah in revenue.
Income streams come from product sales as well as innovation development grants, demonstrating that research-based technology holds strong commercialization potential while also creating social impact.
Terangin’s development aligns closely with the global Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in areas related to affordable clean energy, industry and innovation, and responsible production.
The initiative reflects the role of higher education institutions in addressing real agricultural challenges through adaptive and practical technological solutions.
Conclusion
Terangin demonstrates how student-driven innovation can deliver practical solutions to real-world agricultural challenges through renewable energy and smart technology. By combining sustainability, affordability, and operational efficiency, the hybrid turbine system not only helps farmers reduce crop losses and production costs but also strengthens Indonesia’s presence in global innovation and green technology development.
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