Published on
Tuesday, 6 October 2026
Surakarta , ITS News — The Spektronics Team from the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) has once again achieved impressive success on the national stage. This time, Indonesia’s first chem-e-car research team won the Indonesian Chemical Reaction Car Development Challenge (ICHEDECE) Ecoday 2026 at Sebelas Maret University (UNS) in Surakarta on Saturday (3/10).
Audrey Geraldine Tridesta Pane, a member of the ITS Spektronics Team, explained that the Spektronics 31 vehicle her team brought this time featured a rechargeable zinc manganese battery . This technology, developed from used AA and AAA batteries, has the advantage of being reusable through its rechargeable capability . “This innovation helps reduce battery waste that is harmful to the environment,” she explained.
Audrey explained that the ITS Spektronics Team has been conducting battery research since 2025. Through their persistence and expertise, the ITS research team succeeded in finding the right formulation, allowing the car to move consistently and be used repeatedly. “At the beginning of the development period, the battery was still too weak and unable to move the car,” she admitted.
In more detail, the ITS Chemical Engineering student explained that the Spektronics 31 car is equipped with a single-action system to maintain consistency and reduce human error. This feature allows the car’s motor and stopping systems to operate simultaneously.
The Spektronics 31 also features a temperature-minimizing feature. This capability is achieved through an aluminum layer inside the car, which reduces heat transfer from the external environment into the system. “This feature allows the car to maintain its temperature during driving and racing,” added the 2025 student.
Audrey acknowledged that in the 2026 ICHEDECE competition, organized by the UNS Chemical Engineering Department, environmental temperature and wind conditions were crucial factors to consider. She also noted that the competition between teams was quite intense. “Even so, thanks to their well-prepared strategy, the ITS Spektronics Team still emerged victorious against the other teams,” she said proudly.
After the competition, the ITS Spektronics Team hopes to overcome other crucial factors and challenges to achieve better results. Thanks to their persistent development of chem-e-car research , the ITS Spektronics Team also supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) point 4 on Quality Education, point 7 on Clean and Affordable Energy, and point 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. (ITS Public Relations)
Reporter: Ahmad Naufal Ilham
