The idea emerged from the challenges faced by many vendors who suffer losses because the fruits and vegetables they sell often spoil due to limited access to electric freezers. In addition, many local farmers in tourism villages still lack sufficient knowledge of post-harvest handling to keep fruits and vegetables fresh until they reach the market.
Inspired by this problem, a team of students from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) developed a refrigerator-like storage box that keeps fruits and vegetables fresh for longer. The innovation, called Safe-Box, can absorb heavy metals and reduce pesticide residues while incorporating an environmentally friendly fruit-cooling technology that requires no electricity.
The innovation was developed by Mukhlis Ibrahim from the Faculty of Agriculture (FTP UGM), Tirta Pandu Winata from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol UGM), and Mutia Nurul Makhfirah from the Graduate School (SPs UGM).
Their work received the Silver Medal in the sustainable agricultural innovation category at the 2nd International Student Summit held on February 14 to 15, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur. Participating in the Essay and Innovation Competition category, the UGM team presented a scientific paper titled “SAFE-BOX (Sustainable Agro-Food Enhancement): A Technology Innovation of Heavy Metal Absorption and Pesticide Residue and Non-Electric Fruit Coolant Using Storage Systems as an Effort in Improving Food Sustainability in Indonesia.”
According to Mutia, the innovation was designed to address food safety and post-harvest resilience challenges, particularly in Indonesia’s agricultural sector. By using natural bio-adsorbents and a sustainable storage system, the technology is expected to improve the quality and safety of horticultural products while reducing environmental impacts from pesticide use and heavy metal contamination.
“The strength of this innovation lies in its simple, practical approach and its potential to be applied in various agricultural areas, especially at the village level,” Mutia told reporters on Tuesday (Mar. 4).
Mutia explained that the storage box can keep fruit fresh for longer periods and slow down the ripening process. As a master’s student in the Tourism Studies program, she emphasized that the innovation is not only relevant to the agricultural sector but also strategically linked to the development of tourism villages and sustainable agro-tourism.
“In agriculture-based tourism villages, this technology can enhance the quality of local products consumed or sold to tourists, while strengthening the destination’s image as an area that prioritizes sustainability and food safety,” she said.
The UGM team’s success in winning the Silver Medal at this international forum is not only an academic achievement but also reflects the commitment of UGM students to delivering innovative solutions with tangible benefits for society. Active participation in international scientific forums also expands cross-country collaboration networks and strengthens the presence of Indonesian students in the global innovation landscape. This achievement is expected to inspire other students to continue contributing through research and innovation that address community needs and sustainable development.
“I hope this product can be further developed and implemented so that it can benefit local communities and farmers,” she concluded.
Writer: Salwa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Arya
Photo: Safe-Box Team