Condition drivers and challenges for implementing rainwater harvesting: Insights from Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Indonesia

Background: The limited availability of water complicates the realization of the universal right to clean and safe drinking water. Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) is a time-tested sustainable rainwater management practice that provides numerous benefits. This research aims to address the practical knowledge gap and establish a comparative framework for analyzing the conditions, drivers, and critical challenges of RWH implementation in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Indonesia, with the objectives of improving water supply and reducing groundwater extraction in the residential sector. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted, focusing on journal articles, conference papers, and reviews indexed in Scopus. Findings: The drivers affecting RWH implementation at the research sites such as water source scarcity, seawater intrusion in coastal areas, excessive groundwater extraction, contamination from arsenic and iodine, and droughts exacerbated by climate change. Innovations such as automated first-flush RWH technology, GAMA-Rainfilter, modular RWH systems, and roadwater harvesting have been developed to enhance water supply and mitigate groundwater extraction. Critical challenges in RWH implementation include unpredictable rainy days, assurance of rainwater quality, limited technology to enhance health standards for rainwater, difficulties in scaling up and installing systems for uneducated and poor people, affordability issues, lack of incentives, insufficient institutional and governance support, low acceptance levels, and inadequate regulation and enforcement. Conclusion: A comparative analysis of Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Indonesia indicates that the success of RWH implementation depends not only on rainfall availability but also on intricate interactions among technical, economic, social, and institutional factors. Novelty/Originality of this article: This research provides a comprehensive approach to analyzing the drivers and challenges of RWH implementation in countries with diverse geographical and socioeconomic contexts, incorporating five dimensions to enhance understanding of the factors influencing the success of RWH initiatives

The middle-income trap problem faced by millennials and gen z in jakarta: Challenges and mitigating strategies

Background: This study examines the middle-income trap in Jakarta, Indonesia, which hinders economic and social advancement for middle-income individuals. The aim is to identify key factors impeding socio-economic mobility, particularly for Generation Z and Millennials. The study highlights issues such as the misalignment between educational outputs and labor market needs, lack of affordable housing, and inadequate urban infrastructure. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing reliable data from validated sources to provide critical commentary and analysis. Findings: The study suggests that integrated, multi-sectoral policy interventions are necessary. These include educational reforms, housing affordability initiatives, enhanced healthcare access, and urban infrastructure improvements. Conclusion: Addressing these issues is crucial for fostering socio-economic progress and helping Jakarta's residents overcome the middle-income trap. Novelty/Originality of this article: This article offers a unique perspective by proposing specific policy interventions that have not been extensively explored in the context of Jakarta's middle-income trap

Optimizing tugboat fleet efficiency in port operations using discrete-event simulation modeling

Background: In Indonesia, marine logistics is considered a priority sector because 40% of international trade passes through the country, with 90% of it utilizing sea transportation. Therefore, this research aims to determine the optimal number of tugboat fleets operating at Tanjung Priok Port by evaluating the average overall time and waiting time for pilotage activities and towage services. Methods: This study used secondary data sourced from the 2019 Daily Report on Ship Movements by PT. P (Regional 2). A discrete-event simulation method was applied using Arena Simulation software, incorporating a scenario where one chartered tugboat unit was reduced. Findings: The results showed that PT. P already provides effective pilotage and towage services. Furthermore, reducing one 1240DK tugboat unit had no significant impact on the company’s initial operational performance. Conclusion: PT. P’s current tugboat fleet is sufficient to maintain service efficiency, even with the reduction of one unit. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study offers insight into optimizing tugboat operations through simulation modeling, presenting an approach that has not been extensively explored in Indonesian port logistics

Flood risk assessment and regional detailed spatial planning in Lagos State: A remote sensing perspective

Background: Lagos State, Nigeria, is increasingly confronting flooding as an aftermath of hasty urbanization, climate change, and inefficiency in land-use planning. This paper formally reviewed remote sensing technology application in flood hazard analysis and incorporating it into the Regional Detailed Spatial Planning (RDTR) framework. Methods: A systematic search of 40 peer-reviewed articles (2000–2023) was conducted following PRISMA guidelines to identify and analyze trends and patterns. Remote sensing technologies, including optical images and synthetic aperture radar (SAR), were used to monitor flood dynamics, evaluate vulnerability, and identify flood zones in near real-time. Indicators such as rainfall intensity, elevation, land use, and population density were also assessed. Findings: Although remote sensing provides actionable data for zoning and infrastructure planning in flood-prone areas, its application to RDTR planning is limited by insufficient high-resolution data, technical limitations, and stakeholders' coordination problems. The study also highlights the critical role of geospatial innovations in improving flood resilience and urban planning. Conclusion: Improved data access, technical capacity building, and multi-stakeholder collaboration are essential to address current limitations. Novelty/Originality of this article: This research bridges the gap between flood hazard mapping technologies and detailed spatial planning frameworks. It provides a framework that can guide policymakers and urban planners in Lagos and similar contexts toward sustainable flood risk management and urban development

Influence of GHG emissions intensity and ESG scores on the financial performance of publicly listed companies in the ASEAN Region

Background: Sustainability and environmental responsibility have become critical concerns in corporate governance, with GHG emissions intensity and ESG scores increasingly used as indicators of responsible business practices. However, their impact on financial performance remains a subject of debate, especially in ASEAN markets, where regulatory frameworks and investor priorities differ. This study aims to analyze the relationship between GHG semissions intensity, ESG scores, and financial performance (ROA and Tobin’s Q) in ASEAN public companies to assess how these sustainability metrics influence corporate success. Methods: The study employs fixed-effects panel regression analysis using data from Refinitiv Eikon on 220 ASEAN public companies from 2018 to 2022. The key variables include GHG emissions intensity and ESG scores as independent variables, with ROA and Tobin’s Q as dependent variables. Findings: The findings indicate that GHG emissions intensity has a slightly significant impact on ROA but does not significantly affect Tobin’s Q, suggesting that investors in ASEAN may not prioritize emissions data when evaluating corporate performance. This supports the notion that carbon emissions' financial impact varies by industry, and inconsistent regulations across ASEAN complicate emissions comparisons. In contrast, ESG scores exhibit a significant negative relationship with both ROA and Tobin’s Q, implying that while investors recognize ESG engagement as a governance signal, high implementation costs and delayed returns deter investment. Additionally, risks such as greenwashing and inconsistent ESG reporting standards further undermine the credibility of ESG metrics in ASEAN markets. Conclusion: While GHG emissions intensity shows minimal influence on profitability, ESG engagement, despite its long-term benefits, presents short-term financial challenges. The findings underscore the importance of aligning ESG efforts with corporate strategy and standardizing ESG reporting frameworks across ASEAN to enhance investor confidence. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainability and corporate performance by specifically examining ASEAN markets, which have diverse regulatory environments and investor behaviors

Comparison of LSTM and RNN model performance in predicting F-18 NaF kinetics in prostate cancer bone metastasis based on PET/CT

Background: Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET/CT) imaging using F-18 NaF is an important modality for evaluating bone metastasis in prostate cancer. The accuracy of this tracer kinetics prediction can improve monitoring of therapeutic response. Although Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) and Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) have been used for modeling sequential data, no comprehensive study has specifically compared their performance for predicting F-18 NaF uptake in prostate cancer, despite the clinical importance of cost and PET/CT service availability. Methods: This study analyzed data from nine patients in the NaF PROSTATE dataset The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA). SUVmean was extracted from PET/CT imaging series. Bidirectional LSTM and RNN models with dropout layers were developed. Evaluation was performed using R², RMSE, MAE metrics, a nd kinetic analysis via biexponential curve fitting to assess the biological plausibility of predictions. Findings: Evaluation of model LSTM demonstrated superior performance than RNN. Kinetic curve analysis confirmed that LSTM was able to reproduce uptake and clearance patterns more stably and physiologically than RNN, which showed fluctuations. These findings are consistent with the theoretical advantage of LSTM in handling long - term dependencies. Conclusion: LSTM is proven to be superior to RNN in predicting the kinetics of F-18 NaF in prostate cancer bone metastases, both statistically and clinically. Its accuracy and stability support its potential application in molecular imaging and therapy monitoring. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study provides quantitative evidence of LSTM's superiority over RNN for predicting F-18 NaF kinetics, using an innovative validation approach through kinetic curve analysis that enriches clinical assessment beyond conventional statistical metrics

Combination of non-renewable and renewable natural resources for sustainable energy provision in Indonesia

Background: Development, as part of the process of advancing civilization, requires energy as one of its fundamental resources. This paper discusses the planning of a scenario for the utilization mix of non-renewable and renewable natural resources for sustainable energy supply in Indonesia. Methods: The quantitative method is used to determine the amount of energy imports that need to be reduced by utilizing renewable energy, the amount of renewable energy potential that can be optimized, and recommendations for a more ambitious but realistic energy mix. The qualitative method is used to identify which recommendations are currently effective, which are not, and those that have not yet been proposed to improve an energy mix that meets sustainability aspects. Findings: The results of a system dynamics model review support the need to accelerate the optimization of renewable energy utilization to achieve energy resilience and a strategy for developing low-carbon emission energy. To optimize the use of renewable energy, fiscal incentives from the government are necessary, along with the restructuring of energy prices to make renewable energy more competitive, support for renewable energy technology development, PLN’s (State Electricity Company/Perusahaan Listrik Negara) commitment to using renewable energy with government incentives, and consistent implementation of renewable energy regulations.  Conclusion: The energy mix strategy during this transition period is to continue increasing oil production through exploration and Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), optimize gas and coal with clean technology, and aggressively utilize renewable energy to reduce the oil import gap while transitioning to renewable energy to achieve a sustainable energy future. Novelty/Originality of this article: This article lies in its integrative use of system dynamics modeling and a mixed-method approach to propose a comprehensive, ambitious-yet-realistic energy mix strategy for Indonesia that balances non-renewable and renewable resources to achieve energy sustainability and reduce dependency on imports

TUAL DOCK TECH: An IoT-based port transformation for the optimization of the tuna industry in the City of Tual

Background: Tual City is a region with the largest tuna potential in Indonesia, which can be utilized for the escalation of maritime resource exports to various countries via sea routes. However, the utilization of this potential is still far from optimal, influenced by various factors such as the relatively low social and economic conditions of the Tual community. Furthermore, limited access to the global market due to a lack of supporting infrastructure and low technology adoption is a primary factor hindering the development of Tual City's fishing industry. In its logistical processes, the port in Tual City relies solely on manual loading and unloading, leading to distribution delays, increased logistic costs, and a decline in product quality. Therefore, there is an urgent need to maximize port performance with technology assistance to facilitate the distribution of tuna products while simultaneously enhancing the implementation of the Blue Economy concept in Tual City. Methods: This study employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and Secondary Data Analysis methods to position TUAL DOCK TECH as a solution to the status quo in Tual City. Findings: This innovation is expected to strengthen Tual City's tuna potential by up to 50 percent through the revitalization of the container port and advanced infrastructure, establishing the region as economically independent and as a city that successfully implements the Blue Economy concept optimally and sustainably in Indonesia. Conclusion: Implementation of TUAL DOCK TECH can be the alternative solution the Tual City’s structural socio-economic problems. This innovation can also bring the city’s economic dependence status to be more environment friendly based, which is Blue Economy Novelty/Originality of this article: The novelty aspect refers to the integration of IoT into the infrastructure of the container port for loading and unloading purposes and to facilitate tuna fishermen in the fishing process. Additionally, this innovation integrates an IoT-based quality control system in the port's cold storage to ensure compliance with national export standards

Towards a just energy transition and clean energy in Indonesia: Legal challenges from dependence on coal

Background: The energy transition in Indonesia faces fundamental challenges arising from inconsistent regulations that maintain dependence on coal, despite Indonesia's and global commitments to decarbonization. The enactment of Government Regulation No. 40 of 2025 on National Energy Policy and Presidential Regulation No. 112 of 2022 on the Acceleration of Renewable Energy Development for Electricity Providers reflects a dualism in policy, as evidenced by the expansion of the renewable energy mix and the allowance for coal-fired power plants to operate until 2050. Methods: This study uses a normative method and critically examines the legal framework. The analysis draws on the theory of energy justice, which focuses on fair distribution of burdens and benefits and on procedural inclusiveness. It also applies the theory of ecological justice, which highlights the need to protect ecosystems and intergenerational rights. Findings: This study finds that energy governance in Indonesia reflects dual regulation. The policy continues to rely on coal while claiming to promote renewable energy. Integration of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies is presented as a decarbonization strategy, but in reality, it delays the transition to clean energy. Conclusion: The energy transition in Indonesia remains hampered by legal inconsistencies. On one hand, policies promote renewable energy; on the other, they maintain coal use. Legal analysis shows that new energy transformation policies fail to achieve justice, inclusiveness, and ecological sustainability. Therefore, a New and Renewable Energy Bill and a Climate Justice Bill are needed to realize an energy transition that is fair, sustainable, and consistent with the Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. Novelty/Originality of this study: This study develops a framework that combines energy and ecological justice to assess Indonesia’s energy transition policies from a legal perspective

Peran partisipasi stakeholder dalam reformasi birokrasi di lingkup pemerintah Kabupaten Pekalongan

Background: The purpose of this writing is to achieve more efficient, accountable, transparent, and responsive changes to meet the needs of society. By involving various parties with interests and involvement in a particular organization or institution, it is hoped that bureaucratic reform can be more successful and have a positive impact on public services and national development as a whole. Methods: Literature review from previous research is used in writing this article. Finding: The role and participation of stakeholders are crucial in the process of bureaucratic reform. Bureaucratic reform has been a major focus in efforts to improve efficiency, accountability, and quality public services in various countries. Stakeholders have great potential to contribute significantly to bureaucratic reform efforts. This article will also explore some challenges and obstacles that may be encountered in involving stakeholders in the bureaucratic reform process, such as differences in interests, lack of coordination, and resistance to change. Conclusion: With this discussion, it is hoped that relevant recommendations and strategies can be identified for stakeholders to enhance stakeholder participation and promote a more inclusive and sustainable bureaucratic reform process