NCIE 2026: UII Industrial Engineering Students Win First Place
Students from the Industrial Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Universitas Islam Indonesia, namely Ahmad Arro’uf Sulfuadi, Rajab Bullah Anggara Nasution, Najma Tsakiba, and Ferdian Anugrah Pratama, successfully won First Place in the Undergraduate Student Competition category at the 10th National Conference on Industrial Engineering (NCIE) 2026. The competition, held on May 22, 2026, carried the theme “Sustainable and Lean Strategy for Efficient Product Design” with a focus on Human Factors and Ergonomics. Through their research on ergonomic solutions for traditional porters (buruh gendong) at Beringharjo Market, Yogyakarta, the team demonstrated how Industrial Engineering knowledge can contribute meaningful solutions to society while achieving recognition at the national level.
Research Inspired by the Challenges Faced by Traditional Porters
The research process began with team formation, idea development, and direct data collection at Beringharjo Market. To better understand the working conditions experienced by traditional porters, the team conducted field observations and engaged in direct discussions with the workers. The collected data were then analyzed using Quality Function Deployment (QFD), anthropometric methods, and working posture analysis to design solutions that met user needs.
Throughout the project, each team member took on specific responsibilities, ranging from concept development and product design to paper writing and data analysis. The entire research process was supervised by Dr. Dwi Adi Purnama, S.T., who served as the team’s academic advisor.
Time Constraints as the Main Challenge
One of the greatest challenges faced by the team was the limited time available before the paper submission deadline. In addition, the large amount of data to be analyzed and the complexity of the proposed design required a high level of accuracy and coordination. Several stages of the research process were interdependent and had to be completed sequentially.
To overcome these challenges, the team implemented a structured division of tasks, maintained intensive communication, and conducted regular evaluations of their progress. These strategies enabled the team to successfully complete all stages of the research and ultimately secure First Place in the Undergraduate Student Competition category.
A Valuable Experience on the Road to NCIE 2026 Victory
Beyond the achievement itself, the most memorable experience for the team was the opportunity to interact directly with traditional porters at Beringharjo Market. In addition to gathering research data, they listened to various stories about the workers’ struggles and daily lives. This experience provided a deeper understanding that research should not only produce academic outcomes but also create tangible benefits for society.
For Ahmad Arro’uf Sulfuadi, this achievement holds special significance as it marked his second participation in NCIE, following his involvement in the same competition in 2024. The experience gained from his previous participation became valuable capital in understanding the dynamics of the competition and improving the quality of the research developed together with the team.
“Sometimes, what we learn in class can be applied directly in real-life situations. Take these opportunities as a way to gain experience, build your portfolio, and expand your learning beyond the classroom. You never know you might get an extra reward from it,” said Arro’uf.
This achievement is expected to inspire other students to continue developing their skills, produce impactful work, and confidently take advantage of various opportunities for personal and professional growth through academic activities and competitions.
Albin M. Wiryawan
