Osaka, JurnalPost.com - Nine students from MAN 2 Kota Malang successfully secured the Best Group award at the international Japan Youth Summit (JYS) 2026 Autumn Edition, held in Osaka, Japan, from October 19–22, 2026. The award was earned through their PunarVastra innovation, a textile waste management concept that integrates digital technology, environmental education, and circular economy principles.
In the competition, the MAN 2 Kota Malang team presented a project titled “Our Wardrobe Inside the Landfills”. This idea stems from the growing issue of clothing waste, which has not been matched by public awareness regarding the sorting, reusing, or recycling of used textiles.
Through PunarVastra, the students proposed a used clothing collection system that connects the public with donation organizations, recycling partners, and local businesses. This concept aims to extend the lifespan of garments while reducing the volume of textile waste ending up in landfills.
Developed by Nine MAN 2 Kota Malang Students
PunarVastra is a collaborative effort by nine students from MAN 2 Kota Malang: Aulia Naura Nadhifa, Daffa Taaj Mulkilakbar, A. Riuki Sabrina Taufam, Fian Chalif Azami, Danisy Izzan Burhan, Nahda Al Ikhtimam, Lana Nazahiah, Callysta Qabysha, and Safira Putri Febrianti.
The team developed this textile waste management concept with an approach that focuses not only on waste reduction but also on encouraging shifts in public behavior regarding clothing consumption and management.
In their project presentation, the team highlighted the limited availability of separate textile collection facilities. Furthermore, the public often struggles to find information regarding donation locations or used clothing processing facilities.
The team also cited data from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which states that approximately 92 million tons of textile waste are generated annually worldwide. This figure served as a foundation for developing PunarVastra as a solution to support more sustainable waste management.
PunarVastra Combines Smart Donation Machines and Reward Systems
One of the key innovations in PunarVastra is the concept of a smart donation machine integrated with a web-based digital platform and a mobile application.
Through the designed system, the public can deposit used clothing into collection machines. These devices are planned to utilize two-dimensional vision cameras and image processing technology to detect and measure the deposited clothing.
After the recording process, users will receive points via a QR code linked to their account on the PunarVastra platform.
The accumulated points can later be exchanged for vouchers from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that partner with the program.
This reward scheme is expected to attract the public to be more active in collecting used clothing, while simultaneously providing economic cooperation opportunities for local business owners.
Meanwhile, the collected clothing will be sorted based on its condition and potential for reuse.
Clothing that is still wearable can be distributed to donation organizations or thrift stores. Textiles with the potential to be processed into new products can be directed to upcyclingbusinesses, while materials meeting recycling requirements are sent to processing partners.
With this approach, PunarVastra strives to build a system that allows clothing and textile materials to retain their utility value before eventually becoming waste.
Promoting Environmental Education and Circular Economy
In addition to offering technology-based solutions, the MAN 2 Kota Malang team also included a public education program as part of the PunarVastra concept.
This program includes workshops on processing used textiles, an introduction to the impacts of fast fashion, and campaigns for more responsible clothing consumption.
The target audience ranges from secondary school students to the general public. Participants are encouraged to understand the importance of extending the lifespan of clothing, including through repair activities and reprocessing textiles into useful products.
This approach aligns with circular economy principles, which emphasize waste reduction through the reuse, repair, and recycling of materials.
PunarVastra also opens opportunities for collaboration with various parties, ranging from MSMEs and environmental communities to recycling managers and creative businesses that utilize used textile materials.
Through this collaboration, the innovation developed by the students is expected to not only impact environmental conservation efforts but also provide economic benefits to the community.
Receiving Appreciation at Japan Youth Summit 2026
The success of the MAN 2 Kota Malang team in winning the Best Group award received appreciation from the organizers of the Japan Youth Summit 2026.
Chairman of the Japan Youth Summit 2026, Muhammad Aldi Subakti, extended his congratulations and expressed hope that the PunarVastra innovation would continue to be developed and provide broader benefits.
“Congratulations to the MAN 2 Kota Malang team for the Best Group award. We hope PunarVastra continues to grow and provide a positive impact on the environment. Keep achieving and presenting innovations that bring change,” said Muhammad Aldi Subakti.
The award marks a significant achievement for the nine MAN 2 Kota Malang students who have developed ideas for solving environmental problems through the use of technology.
This achievement also demonstrates how students can take a role in offering new approaches to textile waste issues, particularly through a blend of digital innovation, community empowerment, and the circular economy.
Japan Youth Summit 2026 Strengthens International Youth Collaboration
The Japan Youth Summit 2026 is the fourth iteration of the JYS program, initiated by the organization Youth Break the Boundaries (YBB).
Carrying the theme “Beyond Limits: Youth Leading the Next Era of Innovation and Global Stability”, this forum brings together young people from various countries to exchange ideas, develop innovations, and build cooperation in facing global challenges.
The event, which took place in Osaka from October 19–22, 2026, served as a space for participants to present ideas and solutions to various issues, including the environment and sustainable development.
For the MAN 2 Kota Malang team, the Best Group award is one of the milestones in introducing PunarVastra on an international forum.
Through this innovation, the students demonstrated that the issue of textile waste can be an opportunity to present solutions that combine technology, environmental awareness, and community participation.
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