Mentoring of the 13th TEY Finalist School in SMAN 2 Painan, Kabupaten Pesisir Selatan, Provinsi Sumatera Barat: Emission-Free Drone Utilization to Boost Community Economy (An Environmental Solution Based on Carbon-Free Energy Sources)

Jakarta – Toyota Indonesia continues its mentoring program for the top 25 environmental project proposals submitted by high school students (SLTA) in the 13th Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) competition. Following visits to Balikpapan, Surabaya, Manado, Makassar, Mojokerto, and Merauke, this time the Genba (on-site visit) team visited Painan City, in the South Pesisir Regency of West Sumatra, specifically to SMAN 2 Painan — one of the finalist schools whose proposal was selected.

The Genba or mentoring activities at finalist schools aim to refine the vision and mission of each environmental project proposal to ensure they are practical, impactful, and capable of engaging broader community participation. This stage is part of reinforcing the vision and mission for all TEY finalists, marking two decades since the program was first introduced in 2005.

^{TMMIN Visits SMAN 2 Painan Pesisir for the 13th Toyota Indonesia TEY Genba — Vice President Director of PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN), Bob Azam (second from right), accompanied by SMAN 2 Painan Pesisir Principal Erisman (far right) and Managing Editor of National Geographic Indonesia, Mahandis Yoanata Thamrin (second from left), engages in a discussion with students of the SMAN 2 Painan Pesisir TEY-13 project team during the 13th TEY Genba at the school on Thursday (May 15). This Genba visit is part of Toyota Indonesia’s efforts to refine the vision and mission of environmental project proposals submitted by finalists to ensure they are practical, impactful, and community-involving. This stage also serves to strengthen the participants' project foundations as TEY enters its second decade since launching in 2005. (*)}

With the theme “EcoActivism: Time to Act for the Earth”, the 13th TEY focuses on youth-driven decarbonization efforts. Beyond merely reducing emissions, the program also seeks to uncover and utilize new opportunities that foster community economic growth while contributing to decarbonization initiatives.

SMAN 2 Painan submitted a proposal titled Easy Catch, a project that utilizes drones for food delivery, replacing conventional motor vehicles powered by fossil fuels. This concept stems from the understanding that motor vehicles rely on finite fossil fuels and contribute significantly to environmental pollution.

Aligned with the project's theme, the students at SMAN 2 Painan also hope their initiative will stimulate the local economy, particularly in the food and beverage sector, through easier delivery access. Furthermore, the project aims to reduce pollution levels in the coastal city of West Sumatra.

"Toyota Indonesia appreciates the creativity and innovation shown by the TEY 13 finalists in aligning their environmental proposals with the current era of energy transition and decarbonization. One example is the Easy Catch eco project by SMAN 2 Painan, which presents an innovative solution to the environmental challenges in their region. We all agree that decarbonization requires the synergy of all stakeholders, including students as the young generation and future pillars of a greener life," said Bob Azam, Vice President Director of PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN), during the Genba visit to SMAN 2 Painan, South Pesisir Regency, West Sumatra.

^{TMMIN Visits SMAN 2 Painan Pesisir for the 13th Toyota Indonesia TEY Genba — Vice President Director of PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN), Bob Azam (fourth from right), together with Head of P3KL of the South Pesisir Environmental Office, Andi Fitriadi (second from right); representative of the South Pesisir Communications and Information Office, Isman (far right); SMAN 2 Painan Pesisir Principal, Erisman (third from left); and Managing Editor of National Geographic Indonesia, Mahandis Yoanata Thamrin (third from right), during the 13th Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) Genba at SMAN 2 Painan Pesisir, Thursday (May 15).}

A similar sentiment was expressed by Henry Tanoto, Vice President Director of PT Toyota-Astra Motor (TAM). He emphasized that TEY is more than just a program to raise environmental awareness among high school students — it also nurtures their sensitivity and concern toward the future of their local economies and communities.

Students are the nation’s future leaders, and through TEY, they are given a platform to develop leadership capabilities via this environmental competition.

In addition, through TEY, Toyota Indonesia also aims to foster a generation of environmental pioneers and activists capable of turning innovative ideas into real solutions for local environmental challenges. “We hope TEY will serve as a channel for high school students to actualize their ideas, collaborate with others, and develop creative solutions to address environmental issues while seizing opportunities to advance local economies,” Henry Tanoto added.

Drone-Based Delivery Innovation Powered by Zero-Emission Electricity

Easy Catch represents an innovative approach to zero-emission food and goods delivery using drones powered by electricity generated from hydroelectric power plants. This breakthrough, proposed by SMAN 2 Painan students for the 13th TEY competition, is expected to not only drive local economic activity but also maintain traffic safety and order while protecting the environment.

^{Toyota Indonesia’s 13th TEY Genba in West Sumatra — Vice President Director of PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN), Bob Azam (left), presents an award to Head of P3KL of the South Pesisir Environmental Office, Andi Fitriadi (second from right), witnessed by SMAN 2 Painan Pesisir Principal, Erisman (third from left), during the 13th Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) Genba visit at SMAN 2 Painan Pesisir on Thursday (May 15).}

Drone use enables faster and more accurate deliveries, leading to higher customer satisfaction. As satisfaction grows, so does demand, fueling further growth in the local food and beverage business in Painan.

Moreover, electric drones are more environmentally friendly — especially since the electricity used is sourced from hydroelectric power plants, an abundant resource in Painan, South Pesisir Regency. Harnessing this resource not only promotes local economic circulation but also serves as an educational tool.

Thus, the community's shared goals — economic development and reduced pollution from motor vehicles (a major contributor to emissions) — can be achieved.

"Through Easy Catch, we aim to educate the public on using environmentally friendly energy to sustain the planet’s ecosystem while advancing the community’s economy," said Luthfi Fadlullah, a student representative from SMAN 2 Painan participating in the 13th TEY.

Relevant SDG Targets Referenced in This Activity

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