Osaka, Japan — Group 5 from MAN 2 Kota Malang has won 1st Place Best Idea Innovation Junior Level at Japan Youth Summit 2026, an international program initiated by Youth Break the Boundaries (YBB).
The team received the award for So-NA, a sustainable infrastructure concept designed to reduce noise pollution near railway tracks.
Through So-NA, the students propose a way to turn local waste materials into a multifunctional infrastructure solution. The project combines noise control, environmental monitoring, and air pollution reduction in one integrated design.
Meet the Team Behind So-NA
Behind So-NA is a team of eight students from MAN 2 Kota Malang. They worked together to develop an innovative idea that combines technology, environmental awareness, and sustainability. The Group 5 team members are:
- Raditya Daneswara
- Aqila Balqis Mustofah
- Alifia Konsista Addin
- Nareswari Sandra Andadhari
- Aretha Syahfilia Yustiar
- Marcellino Acintyasa Rasendriya
- Keysha Maghfiroh Putri Arofah
- Raissya Rizwana Dania
Their achievement at Japan Youth Summit 2026 highlights the potential of young people to connect creativity with real-world environmental challenges and community needs.
The Story Behind So-NA: Addressing Railway Noise Pollution
Noise from transportation can affect the quality of life of nearby communities. Railway tracks located close to residential areas are one example of where effective noise control is important.
Conventional noise barriers can help reduce noise exposure. However, the environmental impact of traditional construction materials remains a concern when developing more sustainable infrastructure.
To address this challenge, Group 5 developed So-NA as a noise barrier concept that uses Lapindo mud and sugarcane bagasse as composite materials. The design also incorporates environmental monitoring and air filtration technologies.
The main idea is to transform underutilized local materials into useful products while addressing noise pollution and environmental monitoring needs around railway corridors.
Exploring So-NA: Three Functions in One Innovation
So-NA is designed as a modular noise barrier with three main functions: noise control, air filtration, and digital environmental monitoring.
1. Noise Barrier: Making Use of Local Materials
The main structure of So-NA uses a composite made from Lapindo mud and sugarcane bagasse.
Lapindo mud is considered as a filler material, while sugarcane bagasse provides fibers for the composite. Using these materials offers an opportunity to increase the value of local resources and reduce reliance on conventional materials.
In its initial design, So-NA targets a noise reduction of **8–12 dB(A) at a distance of 50 meters from the railway track**. This remains a design target that requires further laboratory testing and field evaluation.
2. Air Filtration: Supporting Cleaner Air
So-NA also incorporates a photocatalytic layer made with titanium dioxide (TiO₂).
When exposed to light, this layer can trigger reactions that help break down certain airborne pollutants, including nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), into simpler compounds.
This feature expands the role of So-NA beyond noise control. The concept also explores how railway infrastructure could support better air quality management in surrounding areas.
3. IoT Monitoring: Tracking Environmental Conditions
Another key feature of So-NA is its integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) for environmental monitoring.
The proposed system uses sensors to measure noise levels, climate conditions, and vibration. The collected data can be accessed through a web interface using a local IP address.
To support the monitoring system, the design includes solar panels as a power source. The team also explores piezoelectric energy harvesting as part of its broader energy concept.
Together, these features aim to support more structured environmental data collection and help evaluate the barrier’s performance.
Conclusion
Group 5 MAN 2 Kota Malang’s achievement at Japan Youth Summit 2026 highlights the role of young innovators in developing creative solutions to environmental and infrastructure challenges.
Through So-NA, the team proposes an approach that combines local waste materials, digital technology, and environmental management in one sustainable infrastructure concept.
For Youth Break the Boundaries, So-NA reflects the importance of giving young people opportunities to explore ideas, develop critical thinking, and propose new approaches to real-world problems.
Muhammad Aldi Subakti, Chairman of Japan Youth Summit 2026, praised Group 5 for demonstrating how young people can turn local challenges into opportunities for innovation.
“Congratulations to Group 5 from MAN 2 Kota Malang on this achievement. We hope So-NA inspires them to keep exploring new ideas and developing local materials into practical solutions. May this accomplishment encourage them to keep learning and take their innovation to the next stage,” said Aldi.
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