Yogyakarta (MAN 2 Yogyakarta) — Reinforcing its identity as a research-based madrasah with a strong and sustainable scientific culture, MAN 2 Yogyakarta continues to demonstrate its excellence in nurturing young innovators who are both solution-oriented and globally competitive. The institution’s academic environment not only fosters critical thinking but also encourages students to produce tangible innovations addressing real-world environmental challenges.

This commitment was recently reflected in a remarkable achievement at the Biology Perspective in Essay (BiOpen) competition hosted by Universitas Ahmad Dahlan. A student team consisting of Jihan Amira Ardani and Roselyn Belva Phalosi, both from Class XI E, secured Second Place in the prestigious scientific competition.

BiOpen serves as a platform for students to develop critical and innovative thinking in applied biology. During the competition, the MAN 2 Yogyakarta team delivered a 15-minute presentation, including a question-and-answer session, where they presented their research titled “BIOSANTIK: Design and Development of an Eco-Based Adsorbent System for Batik Wastewater Remediation.”

The study addresses the pressing environmental issue of batik industrial wastewater, which contains synthetic dyes, heavy metals, and hazardous organic compounds. Using a Research and Development (R&D) approach with the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation), the team successfully developed a simple yet effective filtration device.

The innovation integrates biomineral calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) with electrocoagulation technology and a layered filtration system utilizing natural adsorbents such as seashells, coconut fiber, and activated charcoal. The results demonstrated significant effectiveness in reducing pollutant levels. Lead (Pb) concentration decreased from 2.2063 mg/L to 0.0910 mg/L, while Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) values dropped substantially. Additionally, the wastewater pH improved toward neutral conditions.

This innovation is considered an economical and practical solution with strong potential for application in small-scale batik industries, offering a sustainable approach to environmental management.

Beyond the competition, participants also engaged in a laboratory tour, observing preserved animal specimens and conducting a brief practicum on membrane transport, further enriching their academic experience.

The achievement was made possible through the dedicated mentorship of Indra Dwi Suryanto, S.Pd., M.Pd., and Nuning Setianingsih, S.Si., M.Pd., who provided continuous guidance throughout the research and presentation process.

Head of MAN 2 Yogyakarta, Hartiningsih, S.Pd., M.Pd., expressed her appreciation and pride in the students’ accomplishment. She emphasized that the success reflects the institution’s consistent efforts in building a productive and collaborative research ecosystem.

“We hope this achievement serves not only as a moment of pride but also as motivation for all students to continue innovating and offering solutions to real societal challenges, particularly in the environmental sector,” she stated.

She further affirmed that MAN 2 Yogyakarta will continue to strengthen its student research development programs to enable broader contributions at both national and international levels. This success reinforces the madrasah’s position as a leading educational institution that is not only high-achieving but also adaptive to contemporary challenges through scientific and innovative approaches.