The UGM student team, Bulaksumur Consulting, secured first place in the Social Logistics Challenge, which was organized by the Global Business School Network (GBSN) online from Oct. 6 to Nov. 5, 2024.
The student team, consisting of Najwa Waq’iah, Gustav Susanto, Nikita Dinda Azizah, Risang Mar’atun Sholihah (Management 2022), and Magnesia Putri Azalia (Industrial Engineering 2022), outperformed 103 teams from 21 countries across the globe.
“We are proud and happy to be the first team from Indonesia to win this competition,” said Waq’iah at FEB UGM Thursday (Nov. 21).
Waq’iah explained that the student teams were tasked with solving a case study in the Social Logistics Challenge. During the competition, the UGM student team faced the issue of the unequal distribution of health resources in remote areas.
Many communities in rural or remote regions face significant difficulties in accessing essential medical supplies, including medicines, medical equipment, and basic health services.
According to Waq’iah, this lack of access exacerbates the health disparities between urban and rural areas, hindering progress towards achieving good health and well-being.
Inadequate transportation infrastructure and the lack of real-time data on local health needs are often seen as logistical barriers in these areas. As a result, resource distribution becomes ineffective and frequently delayed.
“That’s why, for the competition, we proposed the idea of creating a digitally integrated community-based supply chain system to address these issues,” she explained.
Waq’iah elaborated that the UGM team developed the supply chain system using mobile technology and data analytics. This system can more accurately assess and predict medical needs in each region.
With continuously updated data regarding health needs and collaboration between local healthcare workers, regional logistics partners, and technology providers, Waq’iah said, timely and targeted distribution can be ensured to the areas most in need.
“Local governments, health organizations, and community members play an important role in this process, providing key insights into on-the-ground challenges and needs,” she explained.
Waq’iah added that the idea proposed by the FEB UGM student team emphasized improving health outcomes, developing inclusive and resilient infrastructure, and promoting sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact.
By addressing logistical gaps through technology and cross-sector collaboration, this solution is seen as a way to improve healthcare access in remote areas and as a model for applying social logistics principles to address various social challenges at the community level.
Reporters: FEB UGM/Orie Priscylla Mapeda Lumalan & Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya