SNITT 2025, Time for Polman Negeri Babel Students to Speak Up for the Region
The Hall of the Bangka Belitung State Manufacturing Polytechnic (Polman Babel) was packed with hundreds of students on Wednesday (2/7/2025), in the National Seminar on Applied Technology. This activity is an inspiring forum for students and lecturers to explore and develop regional potential through an appropriate technology approach.
The event, which was attended by 515 active students and lecturers from across study programs, presented three competent speakers in their fields, namely Eko Sulistyo, M.T., Robert Napitupulu, M.T., and Riki Afriansyah, M.T. The three of them shared innovative insights and experiences that are relevant to regional development.

The seminar was officially opened by the Director of Polman Babel, I Made Andik Setiawan, Ph.D. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of the role of students in creating technological innovations that can answer real challenges in society.
"Technology must be down to earth and become a solution for society. This is where the role of students is needed," he said.

The first material was delivered by Eko Sulistyo, M.T., who raised the theme "Bangka Belitung's Economic Growth Strategy". He reviewed the strengthening of leading sectors such as tin mining, marine and freshwater fisheries, marine tourism, agriculture, plantations, and local-based MSMEs.
"The wealth of Bangka Belitung's natural resources will not be maximized without the support of innovation. This is the time for the younger generation to take a strategic role in regional development," said Eko.

The next material was presented by Robert Napitupulu, M.T., who explained the innovation of appropriate technology in the production of non-nicotine cigarettes from clear taro leaves. This innovation has been implemented at UKM Pasti Sukses, Bangka Regency, as a solution to the limitations of manual production.
"In the past, the production process was carried out manually and took time. Now, with the presence of an automatic rolling machine, production has increased significantly and the results are much more consistent, the machine is the result of research development that combines efficiency and sustainability," he explained.
Robert added that research will continue, especially in creating variations of flavors that are in demand by the market. This effort aims to expand the consumer segment and increase the competitiveness of environmentally friendly local products," he said.

Closing the seminar session, Riki Afriansyah, M.T., presented material on the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in the waste bank management system. According to him, digitalization of waste management can create efficiency and transparency in the recycling process.
Riki explained that empowering regional potential through technology is not just discourse, but a real step that must start from the campus environment.
"Students should not only be spectators, but also drivers of change that bring benefits to society," he concluded.
