EduAsiaNews, Palembang — Students of Universitas Bangka Belitung (UBB) have once again achieved a notable accomplishment at the national level. Two students from the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at UBB won first place in the National Essay Competition organized by Cogito FISIP at Universitas Sriwijaya. The achievement was secured by Firwadi Astrolio, a student of the Accounting Study Program (Student ID No. 3012411014), and Eza Praditya Lerian, a student of the Economics Study Program (Student ID No. 3032411010). Both are students of the Faculty of Economics and Business at Universitas Bangka Belitung.
The competition, held at Universitas Sriwijaya from August 27 to 31, 2026, was attended by 32 teams from various higher education institutions. Following the selection process, 20 teams advanced to the presentation round to compete for the top position in the national-level essay competition. In the competition, Firwadi and Eza addressed an environmental issue through their essay entitled “RELASI BESAR (Circular Economy-Based Land Rehabilitation): Utilizing Eco-Enzymes and Acacia on Post-Tin Mining Land in Bangka Belitung.”
The idea was inspired by the condition of post-tin mining land in Bangka Belitung, much of which is characterized by soil dominated by quartz sand. This condition presents a significant challenge to land restoration efforts, as plants cannot grow optimally without appropriate treatment and maintenance. In response to this issue, the two UBB students sought to develop a land rehabilitation concept that was not merely theoretical but also supported by practical implementation. As part of their work, they conducted research by producing eco-enzymes and planting acacia trees on post-tin mining land.
The approach was subsequently developed through a circular economy framework, emphasizing the utilization of resources and the processing of materials in ways that can generate added value while supporting environmental restoration efforts. The idea is expected to serve as an alternative approach to rehabilitating post-tin mining land in Bangka Belitung. Preparation for the competition began with the development of the paper or essay, followed by in-depth study of the subject matter, refinement of the concept, and preparation for the presentation round. The process was undertaken seriously by addressing an environmental issue closely related to conditions in their home region.
Their work was subsequently presented before the judging panel alongside the other finalists. Of the 20 teams that advanced to the presentation round, the UBB student team demonstrated an outstanding concept and presentation skills, ultimately winning first place in the Cogito FISIP Universitas Sriwijaya National Essay Competition. The achievement is a source of pride for UBB and demonstrates that students from the field of economics can develop interdisciplinary ideas by addressing environmental challenges and proposing solutions based on circular economy principles.
Firwadi and Eza hope that their achievement will not end as merely a competition victory but will serve as a starting point for increasing young people’s awareness of environmental issues, particularly in Bangka Belitung.
“We hope that more people, especially the younger generation, will care about the environment and realize that it is not only us who live in nature, but nature also lives within us. This competition is our first step toward increasing our concern and sensitivity to our beloved Serumpun Sebalai Province,” Firwadi and Eza said.
The two students also expressed their appreciation and gratitude to Universitas Bangka Belitung for providing support throughout the competition, from the initial preparation to its conclusion. The support included funding for various needs related to preparation, travel, and participation in the competition at Universitas Sriwijaya.
According to the students, the university’s support played an important role in enabling them to participate in the competition optimally and represent UBB at the national-level essay competition.
The achievement of Firwadi and Eza demonstrates that UBB students have the potential to develop academic ideas rooted in real-world challenges in their local communities. Through their RELASI BESAR initiative, they not only represented UBB at the national level but also highlighted the importance of environmental sustainability and the future of post-tin mining land in Bangka Belitung.
This achievement is expected to inspire other UBB students to continue competing at the national level, developing research and innovation, and generating ideas that deliver tangible benefits to society, the environment, and sustainable development in the Bangka Belitung Islands Province.
