Gold Medal for Anti-Gambling VR

The faces of three Informatics Education (PTI) students from Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) beamed with joy after winning a gold medal at the 2024 Muhammadiyah Student Competition/Program for Muhammadiyah Student Creativity (KMM/PKMM).

The three students, Ari Septian, Nauviana Pita Rosa, and Arya Veda Setyanindito, were all smiles after their achievement. They were guided by their advisor, Hardika Dwi Hermawan, S.Pd., M.Sc., ITE.

Read more: The Local Hero

Team leader Ari Septian explained that their project, titled “JUDOLGUARD: Virtual Reality Berbasis Simulasi Tingkah Laku sebagai Media Edukasi Interaktif Pencegahan Judi Online,” earned them the top award. 

“We focused on developing the VR (virtual reality) device for two months, starting from the design stage to asset creation. The product we developed is a VR prototype themed around online gambling prevention,” he said.

Initially, the team participated in the competition to test their product, but to their surprise, they reached the podium. 

The creation process involved drafting proposals, designing posters, writing final development reports, and producing video presentations.

Read more: Embark Your Virtual Exploration via UMSVerse

The theme of online gambling was chosen due to the increasing criminal activity linked to it in Indonesia, such as divorce, violence, and even suicide. The VR prototype aims to educate the public about these dangers.

Their project received funding from the Directorate General of Higher Education, Ministry of Education and Culture of Indonesia, in 2024. 

Beyond competing, they also tested the product in Purbalingga, hoping it will benefit the wider community.

“This is not just about winning a competition, but contributing to efforts to reduce crime related to online gambling,” Ari added.

Read more: The Economic Toll of Online Gambling

Hardika Dwi Hermawan, the team’s advisor, credited their success to solid teamwork and thorough preparation. He highlighted that without good cooperation, optimal results would have been impossible.

“I see that this team has excellent collaboration. Not only among themselves but also with their partners. This was especially crucial because it was part of the research we conducted,” added the advisor.

The lecturer also expressed optimism about the team’s future and the innovation’s development. He intentionally built a multi-year team, from senior to junior students, to foster strong regeneration.

With continued support, the team aims to make a real impact through their innovation. Hardika hopes that future students will carry on this innovation, creating even more significant positive effects and achieving further success.

“Hopefully, the next generation can continue this innovation, make a positive impact, and achieve even more,” he added.

Writer: Fika

Editor: Gede

Translator: Rizal

Source: News UMS