Siak Innovation Challenge 2025: Inspiring the Younger Generation to Realize a Sustainable Future for Siak District
Siak District has once again demonstrated significant progress in its efforts to become an independent and sustainable region through the successful implementation of the Siak Innovation Challenge 2025. This event not only served as a competition but also as a platform for the younger generation to innovate and create creative solutions to support peatland ecosystem protection, sustainable economy, and sustainable development. As a region where 57% of its area consists of peatlands, Siak faces considerable challenges in preserving its ecosystems while utilizing them sustainably.
The forest fire tragedy in 2015 became a pivotal moment for Siak’s transformation. The Siak District Government made a strong commitment through the Siak Hijau Policy, a framework supporting sustainable and equitable governance. With initiatives like the Siak Innovation Challenge, the new identity “Siak ASIK” — Nature, History, Innovation, and Collaboration — has been further solidified as a reflection of the district’s core development values.
Budhi Yuwono, Head of Bapperida Siak District, stated that innovation is the key to the success of this transformation. “The Siak Innovation Challenge has proven that the community, especially the younger generation, has immense potential to create relevant and impactful innovations. We hope these ideas can become solutions that bring significant benefits to the people and the environment in Siak,” he said.
The Siak Innovation Challenge 2025 is the result of collaboration among various local entities driven by Siak’s youth under the ‘Sustainable Siak Ecosystem’ umbrella, involving Sentra Kreatif Lestari Siak (Skelas), Alam Siak Lestari (ASL), Pinaloka, Explore Siak, and Haha Hihi Media. Through this collaboration, local values and the collective spirit of the younger generation have been translated into concrete actions that contribute to the restoration and preservation of peatland ecosystems.
Musrahmad, Chairman of the Siak Innovation Challenge Committee and Director of Alam Siak Lestari, emphasized the importance of community-based innovation. “The challenge of preserving peatland ecosystems is a significant responsibility that requires new ideas. This competition serves as an initial step in building cross-sector synergy to support the Siak Hijau policy,” he explained.
After a lengthy process that began with registration, expert mentoring, and pitching sessions, three top innovations were awarded:
- Secawan Gambut — A children’s comic project with a peatland theme.
- RB Energy — An incubation program for MSMEs producing sago-based products.
- Team GATY — An educational website and e-commerce platform for peatland products.
The winners not only received recognition but also funding to realize their projects. Teguh Al-Azizul from Team GATY expressed his hopes, “We hope that competitions like this will continue to inspire other young people to contribute to sustainable development.”
The Siak Innovation Challenge 2025 demonstrated that innovation does not have to be grand. Ramon Y. Tungka, one of the judges, emphasized, “Innovation can emerge from simple ideas. The most important thing is ideas and actions that support sustainable development and the well-being of local communities.” This concept of simple innovation is expected to encourage the people of Siak to actively participate in discovering other nature-based innovations derived from everyday life.
With the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and appreciation for local values, Siak District continues to inspire other regions to develop community-based approaches in maintaining ecosystem and economic sustainability. Through the active participation of the younger generation, the future of Siak District as a green, prosperous, and independent region becomes increasingly tangible.
