Nurturing Young Researchers Through the Antrodam Project at BINUS SCHOOL Bekasi

At BINUS SCHOOL Bekasi, we’re all about inspiring students to think big, be creative, and tackle real-world challenges head-on. This is why we’re so proud of our students who took part in The Antrodam Project—a unique, student-led research initiative that won an Honorable Mention in the 2024 Youth Design Challenge. 

Inspired by the natural world, The Antrodam is more than just a project; it’s proof of what can happen when young researchers bring together their creativity, teamwork, and determination to tackle pressing issues. Together, five young Binusians—Kiera, Andini, Kayla, Arindra, and Raden—make up the dream team behind Antrodam, showing that real innovation comes from a mix of passion, collaboration, and bold ideas.

Research & Inspiration from Nature

The Antrodam Project began with one mission: to create a solution to flooding, a challenge that affects countless communities worldwide. Looking for ideas from the best source of inspiration—nature itself—the Binusian team explored structures from the animal and plant kingdoms to find the perfect design. 

And then, the lightbulb moment hit: the nest of the Indian Harvester Ant. These ants have intricate tunnel systems that direct water away from their nests, keeping them safe and dry. Why not apply that same principle to protect populated areas from flooding?

But that’s not all. The team also drew inspiration from other incredible natural structures:

• Rose petals and their layered design for directing water
• Lettuce leaf coral with its intricate branching
• The giant pill millipede, which can roll into a compact shape
• The male frigatebird, known for its large, water-resistant throat pouch

With these diverse natural designs in mind, the Antrodam team engineered a flood protection system that works with nature rather than against it. The result? A project that earned them a spot on the national stage and a well-deserved Honorable Mention!

How The Antrodam System Works

At its core, Antrodam is a smart flood protection system designed to direct excess water away from homes and populated areas. By mimicking the ant’s tunnel design, Antrodam acts as a natural barrier, channeling water to safer zones and reducing the risk of flooding in at-risk areas. The project is a fantastic example of bio-inspired engineering, where students harness the power of nature to solve problems in innovative ways.

Teamwork and Creativity at BINUS SCHOOL Bekasi

The Antrodam Project isn’t just about research; it’s about collaboration and creative teamwork. Together, the five team members (Kiera, Andini, Kayla, Arindra, and Raden) went through every step of the research and design process, from brainstorming wild ideas to fine-tuning technical details. 

Every team member brought their own unique talents to the table, making Antrodam a true collaboration. Each stage of the project was an adventure in teamwork:

• Brainstorming sessions to share wild ideas and new perspectives
• Visual design to bring Antrodam to life with sketches and diagrams
• Video editing to create a project showcase that highlighted their journey and impact

Of course, this journey wasn’t a solo adventure. With the guidance and encouragement of their teachers, the team was able to refine their ideas, overcome challenges, and bring Antrodam to life. Teacher mentorship was key to helping the students understand the research process, stay motivated, and think critically about each stage of development.

BINUS SCHOOL Bekasi as A School of Research

At BINUS SCHOOL Bekasi, research is part of our DNA. We believe that by nurturing young researchers like Kiera, Andini, Kayla, Arindra, and Raden, we’re helping them develop skills that will serve them for life. 

The Antrodam Project is just one example of how our students engage with the world, think creatively, and work as a team to make a positive difference. Through projects like this, our school is proud to support students in becoming confident, curious, and capable researchers.

The Antrodam Project shows what’s possible when students are given the tools, guidance, and inspiration to tackle real-world problems. As our young researchers continue to grow and take on new challenges, there’s no doubt that they’ll keep making an impact—one innovative idea at a time.

For parents who want their child’s education to go beyond the basics, BINUS SCHOOL Bekasi offers an enriching experience that values curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world learning.