Publication Search

Zinc (Zn) is one of the most common heavy metal contaminants found in industrial wastewater and solid residues such as slag, electroplating waste, and metal ash. At excessive concentrations, Zn can cause environmental disturbances, including toxicity to aquatic organisms, disruption of microbial activity, and groundwater contamination. Long-term exposure may also lead to bioaccumulation and potential health risks to humans. This article presents a comprehensive literature review that discusses the chemical properties of Zn, its environmental behavior, and the development of recent treatment technologies within the last five years. Several techniques, including adsorption using modified or composite materials, biosorption utilizing microalgae and agricultural biomass, as well as solidification–stabilization with amendment agents such as biochar or iron-sulfide compounds, are evaluated and compared. The literature indicates that no single treatment method is universally effective for all waste types; therefore, hybrid or integrated treatment systems are considered more efficient and sustainable. Based on the reviewed evidence, this study proposes an engineering concept that emphasizes environmental safety, cost-effectiveness, and industrial applicability.

This study aims to identify the types of ornaments on the Avalokitesvara Pagoda Watugong Semarang, explain their symbolic meaning in the context of Buddhist teachings, and analyze how the ornaments reflect Buddhist architectural philosophy and spiritual values. The results of the study show that this pagoda is decorated with a variety of ornaments, such as reliefs of dragons, hong birds, humans, animals, Chinese writing, amulets of the eight gods, and pineapple ornaments. Each ornament has a deep symbolic meaning, reflecting values such as love, wisdom, and balance in life. The dragon relief symbolizes power and spirituality, the hong bird represents luck and peace, while the Chinese writing and the amulet of the eight gods symbolize blessings and good fortune in life. The ornaments also reflect the Buddhist architectural philosophy that emphasizes harmony between humans, nature, and spirituality, with the towering building design as a symbol of aspiration towards spiritual perfection. Apart from being a place of worship, this pagoda also functions as an interfaith meditative space, affirming the values of tolerance and harmony. This study concludes that the ornaments on the Avalokitesvara Watugong Pagoda are not only decorative elements, but also full of philosophical and spiritual meanings that enrich cultural values and strengthen tolerance. It is recommended to improve the preservation of ornaments, the development of education, and further research to explore the deep meaning of the existing reliefs.

The digital era demands that organizations be fast-moving, adaptable, and innovative. With the advancement of information technology, changes in work methods, global competition, and stakeholder demands are becoming increasingly complex. Knowledge Management (KM) plays an important role as a strategic mechanism for identifying, acquiring, storing, sharing, and utilizing knowledge to improve organizational effectiveness and efficiency. In this context, knowledge management becomes one of the important elements for organizations to enhance performance. Knowledge management is not just about collecting data or information, but how organizations can store, share, create, and utilize knowledge to gain a competitive advantage. This article aims to analyze the importance of knowledge management for organizational performance in the digital age, including how the digital era changes the dimensions of knowledge management, how knowledge management contributes to organizational performance, the challenges faced, and their implications. The data obtained for this study were gathered from observations thru interviews with relevant parties and a literature review study by examining the results of empirical research from the past five years (2020–2025). The method used was descriptive literature analysis of 15 scientific articles from accredited national journals. The analysis focuses on the relationship between knowledge management dimensions (knowledge creation, storage, sharing, and application) and organizational performance indicators (financial performance, innovation, productivity, and customer satisfaction). The study results show that the implementation of knowledge management significantly contributes to improving organizational performance, both directly thru increased efficiency and effectiveness of work processes, and indirectly thru strengthening a culture of innovation and organizational learning. This article asserts that an organization's success in the digital age is not solely determined by its ability to adopt technology, but also by its ability to manage and leverage knowledge as a strategic resource. Therefore, knowledge management needs to be systematically integrated into the organization's digital strategy, accompanied by strengthening a learning culture, human resource training, and adaptive information technology systems.

This study examines the inconsistency of merger and acquisition (M&A) impacts on financial ratio performance across sectors and evaluation methods. This literature review synthesizes ten empirical studies published between 2022 and 2025, focusing on financial indicators before and after M&A transactions. The findings show that the effect of M&A on financial performance varies widely depending on the industry context, time horizon, and analytical technique used. Studies in the technology and telecommunication sectors demonstrate significant improvements in profitability and operational efficiency, while research involving manufacturing and non-financial firms commonly reports insignificant changes in key ratios such as current ratio, total asset turnover, return on assets, and return on equity. Methodological differences also influence the reported outcomes, where long-term observations and comparative statistical testing tend to reveal a more pronounced financial impact compared to short-term assessment. These results indicate that M&A does not uniformly drive financial improvement and its success depends on post-integration strategy, sector dynamics, and measurement design. This study highlights the necessity of standardized evaluation frameworks to ensure more reliable performance interpretation in future M&A research.

The Calong traditional musical instrument from West Sulawesi is a cultural heritage of the Mandar people, possessing strong artistic and symbolic value. However, documentation of the instrument's construction and ornamentation remains limited. This study aims to identify the Calong's construction, analyze the variety of ornaments used, and uncover the aesthetic meaning and symbolism inherent in the instrument. The research method used was descriptive qualitative, with data collection techniques including direct observation, documentation, interviews with craftsmen and artists, and a visit to the West Sulawesi Pavilion at the TMII (Indonesian Museum of Traditional Art) as a comparative source for cultural representation. The results indicate that the Calong's construction utilizes specific bamboo selection and splitting techniques, which influence its resonance quality. The ornamentation reflects symbols of the relationship between humans and nature, ancestors, and the Mandar people's philosophy of life. Aesthetically, the combination of form, texture, and motifs creates a distinctive visual character while strengthening its musical identity. The study's conclusions confirm that the Calong is not only a musical instrument but also a cultural artifact with aesthetic and symbolic value that is important to preserve through education, cultural awareness, and ongoing documentation.

This study aims to explore the symbolic meaning of the siraman ceremony in Javanese culture and interpret its values ​​in light of the Catholic faith, particularly regarding the sanctity and blessings of the sacrament of marriage. The siraman tradition is understood not merely as a cultural ritual, but as a process of physical and spiritual purification imbued with spiritual symbolism, such as the use of water from seven springs and the granting of parental blessings. This study uses a qualitative approach with a literature review method through analysis of Church documents, Javanese anthropological literature, and relevant research. The results indicate that the meaning of purification in siraman is closely related to the symbolism of baptismal water in the Catholic tradition, while the prayer of parental blessing aligns with the concept of blessing as a manifestation of God's grace in the family. Through the inculturation perspective emphasized in Gaudium et Spes and Ecclesia in Asia, siraman can be understood as a form of harmonious dialogue between faith and culture without compromising the purity of Church teachings. This study concludes that the siraman ceremony can enrich the experience of the sacrament of marriage for Javanese Catholics, while strengthening their identity as individuals of faith and culture.

School administration is a fundamental component in ensuring effective and high-quality education in elementary schools. This study aims to describe the concept of effective school administration, the essential administrative components that must be designed and managed, and the factors influencing its success in supporting educational quality improvement. A qualitative approach was employed, focusing on naturally occurring administrative processes within elementary educational institutions. Data were obtained through literature review on the management of curriculum, students, educational staff, finance, facilities, and school–community relations. The findings indicate that effective school administration must be carried out systematically through core management functions, including planning, organizing, implementing, and monitoring. The success of school administration is strongly influenced by the leadership of the principal, the competence of teachers and staff, the utilization of information technology, accountable financial management, adequate facilities, and community participation. Therefore, strengthening school administration becomes a key strategy in creating an orderly, efficient, and student-oriented educational process to improve learning quality in elementary schools.

Peningkatan minat masyarakat Indonesia terhadap bahasa Jepang mendorong kebutuhan akan media pembelajaran yang lebih interaktif dan fleksibel. Namun, banyak aplikasi yang tersedia masih terbatas pada penyajian materi tanpa sistem progres belajar yang adaptif. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan aplikasi mobile “Andana” sebagai platform pembelajaran bahasa Jepang interaktif berbasis Flutter dan Firebase. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah Research and Development (R&D) dengan pendekatan software engineering. Proses pengembangan mencakup analisis kebutuhan, perancangan sistem, implementasi, dan pengujian fungsional. Data penelitian bersumber dari hasil uji coba fungsionalitas dan evaluasi performa aplikasi oleh pengguna. Aplikasi Andana dirancang dengan dua peran utama, yaitu pengguna dan admin, serta dilengkapi fitur pembelajaran berbasis multimedia (PDF, video, audio), flashcard, latihan mendengarkan, berbicara, dan sistem catatan pribadi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa seluruh fungsi aplikasi berjalan dengan baik, dengan sinkronisasi data real-time dan tampilan antarmuka yang responsif. Integrasi antara Flutter dan Firebase terbukti mendukung pengelolaan data pengguna dan pembaruan konten secara dinamis. Kontribusi penelitian ini terletak pada pengembangan model aplikasi pembelajaran berbasis cloud yang adaptif dan mudah dikembangkan. Implikasinya, aplikasi Andana berpotensi menjadi media belajar bahasa Jepang yang efisien, menarik, serta dapat diadaptasi untuk bahasa asing lainnya di masa mendatang.

Symbolic interactionism is an approach that examines how symbols and meanings are created through interactions between individuals within a learning context. This approach explores how individuals use symbols to communicate, interact, and understand the world around them. In the context of the learning process, symbolic interactionist analysis can provide a deep understanding of how learning occurs through interactions between teachers and students, as well as among students themselves. Through this analysis, we can observe how symbols such as language, gestures, and expressions are used to communicate ideas and concepts being taught in the classroom. Additionally, symbolic interactionist analysis can also help us understand how individuals construct their identities within the learning environment. In the modern era of education, the interaction between teachers and students has become one of the crucial aspects of the learning process. Through social interaction and the use of symbols, individuals can shape their perceptions of themselves and how they are viewed by others. This can affect their motivation and engagement in learning. Thus, symbolic interactionist analysis offers valuable insights into understanding the learning process and how interactions between individuals play a key role in the construction of meaning and understanding. Through this understanding, we can improve the quality of learning and provide more meaningful learning experiences for students. Communication does not only occur through words but also through nonverbal communication, including facial expressions, body movements, and other gestures. Therefore, this study aims to analyze how symbolic interactionism plays a role in learning and how nonverbal communication influences the dynamics of classroom interaction.

The development of digital technology has brought significant changes to marketing strategies, including in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. This study aims to design a digital marketing strategy that can increase sales at Lontong Bang Haji MSMEs in Medan City. The research method uses a case study approach with data collection through interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive qualitative methods to describe the marketing practices implemented and the effectiveness of the digital media used. The results of the study show that the use of social media, particularly Instagram and WhatsApp Business, is the most effective strategy for expanding market reach, increasing interaction with consumers, and building brand awareness. The main challenges faced include time constraints, technical knowledge limitations, and digital promotion budgets. However, the integration of offline and online promotions has proven to enhance the competitiveness of SMEs. Thus, a simple yet consistent digital marketing strategy can serve as a practical solution for SMEs to expand their market and drive sales growth.

The Independent Curriculum is the latest education policy designed to provide students with learning freedom with a focus on developing competencies that are more flexible and student-centered. This study explains the implementation of the Independent Curriculum at SMP Negeri Satu Atap 1 Dolat Rayat, a rural school with various resource limitations. The research method used is qualitative research with data collection techniques through in-depth interviews with teachers, field observations, and school documentation. The results of the study based on the results of in-depth interviews with teachers, found the main challenges such as the low basic literacy skills of students, the limited facilities of learning support infrastructure, the low active participation of students, and the diversity of student backgrounds that affect the implementation of learning. In addition, limited support from parents and education policies are also obstacles. To optimize implementation, teachers implement strategies to strengthen literacy, continuous training, use contextual media, and build cross-stakeholder collaboration. This study confirms that the success of the Independent Curriculum in rural schools requires an adaptive contextual approach and synergy of all related parties.

The Independent Curriculum is the latest education policy designed to provide students with learning freedom with a focus on developing competencies that are more flexible and student-centered. This study explains the implementation of the Independent Curriculum at SMP Negeri Satu Atap 1 Dolat Rayat, a rural school with various resource limitations. The research method used is qualitative research with data collection techniques through in-depth interviews with teachers, field observations, and school documentation. The results of the study based on the results of in-depth interviews with teachers, found the main challenges such as the low basic literacy skills of students, the limited facilities of learning support infrastructure, the low active participation of students, and the diversity of student backgrounds that affect the implementation of learning. In addition, limited support from parents and education policies are also obstacles. To optimize implementation, teachers implement strategies to strengthen literacy, continuous training, use contextual media, and build cross-stakeholder collaboration. This study confirms that the success of the Independent Curriculum in rural schools requires an adaptive contextual approach and synergy of all related parties.

This study aims to analyze the application of criminal procedural law in resolving narcotics crime cases at the Binjai District Court, focusing on compliance with the due process of law principle and the protection of the defendant’s rights. The research employs an empirical juridical approach through direct observation (field research) of case Number 200/Pid.Sus/2025/PN Bnj involving the defendant Novri Syahputra, who was charged as an intermediary in the sale and purchase of Class I narcotics (methamphetamine) weighing 40.81 grams net. Data were collected through direct observation of the trial proceedings and examination of relevant legal documents, including the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) and Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics. The findings indicate that the implementation of procedural law at the Binjai District Court was consistent with the provisions of KUHAP, covering all stages from the reading of the indictment, witness examination, evidence presentation, to the final judgment. The panel of judges demonstrated professionalism and independence while considering both aggravating and mitigating factors. However, rehabilitative and humanistic approaches have not been fully incorporated into the court’s consideration, as the sentencing remains predominantly deterrent-oriented. The study concludes that, while the formal procedural aspects of criminal procedural law have been effectively implemented, there remains a substantive need to strengthen restorative and rehabilitative justice values in future narcotics case policies.

This research is entitled Lopo as Symbol of Local Democracy in the Atoin Pah Meto indigenous Community” (Study of the Lopo Traditional House as a Symbol of Local Democracy in Saenam Village, Miomaffo Barat District, North Central Timor Regency). The main problem in this research is how Lopo as a symbol of local democracy in the lives of the Atoin Pah Meto indigenous community. The purpose of this research is to analyse and describe Lopo in the lives of the Atoin Pah Meto indigenous community. This research uses  qualitative methods. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and dokumentation with traditional leaders, religious leaders, village government officials, yo uth, womwn, and the community. Data analysis was conducted by systematically reviewing and interpreting field data. The finding reveal that lopo is not merely a place for storing harvests, but also serves as a central space for deliberation in resolving social, cultural, and political issues. It open structure without walls symblolizez valuesnof openness, equality, and participation. The local democratic values embodied in lopo include family values (mutual cooperation, solidarity, kinship), cultural values (traditional rituals, marriage, harvest celebrations), and political valuess (consensus, adherence to customary rules, and equality in decission making). Therefore, lopo is not only a cultural heritage but also a symbol of local democracy that strengthens the identity and social cohesion of the Atoin Pah Meto community.

The Famotu Ono Nihalo tradition is one of the essential rituals in the customary wedding ceremonies of the Nias community, particularly in Lasarabaene Village, Mandrehe Subdistrict, West Nias Regency. This tradition consists of giving advice to the bride, which is rich in moral, spiritual, and social values. The ritual not only affirms the bride’s status as a wife but also serves as a medium for transmitting cultural values and collective identity. However, along with the wave of modernization, this tradition has undergone changes in terms of its form, symbolic meaning, and cultural values. This study aims to reveal the symbolic meanings contained in the Famotu Ono Nihalo ritual and to analyze the forms of social interaction within it, including its transformation due to social change. The research employs a descriptive qualitative method with data collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The informants consist of traditional leaders, women elders, and community members who still practice and understand the tradition. The findings show that the white cloth symbolizes purity and blessing, while afo (betel quid) represents acceptance and social attachment. Although the ritual today tends to be simplified and some cultural symbols are no longer used, the core values such as parental advice, blessings, and the strengthening of social cohesion remain preserved. Therefore, Famotu Ono Nihalo continues to be relevant as a cultural heritage and a form of social education, even as it adapts to modern changes.

This research aims to determine the strategy for developing the Aek Parsariran bathing tourist attraction and the supporting and inhibiting factors for developing the Aek Parsariran bathing tourist attraction. This research uses qualitative research methods with a descriptive approach and data collection techniques through observation, documentation and interviews with eleven informants. The results of this research describe that the government has a strategy in developing the Aek Parsariran Baths tourist attraction through four main programs, namely: Completing Attractions, Improving Facilities, Creating Prohibition Holes, Providing Services.

The Salib Kasih tourist attraction is one of the leading potential tourist attractions in North Tapanuli district which offers spiritual tourism as well as natural and cultural panoramas. The purpose of this research is to determine the Development Strategy for the Salib Kasih tourist attraction. Salib Kasih is a tourist attraction created to commemorate the services of Christian missionary from Germany Ingwer Ludwig Nommensen who began his mission in Batak Land and is where Ingwer Ludwig Nommensen looked towards Rura Silindung below. This research uses qualitative research methods, with data collection techniques through interviews, observation and documentation of several informants, namely the Tourism and Tourism Office and tourism business actors. Through the results of research conducted by the author, the development strategy for the Salib Kasih tourist attraction carried out by the Tourism Office is to improve facilities, add facilities, collaborate with other agencies and carry out promotions to increase the attractiveness of the Salib Kasih tourist attraction.  

This study aims to determine the strategy of the Tourism Office in developing the Pandaratan Beach tourist destination, Sarudik District, Central Tapanuli Regency. This study uses a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. Data were collected through direct field observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation of a number of informants deemed relevant, namely the Tourism Office, Pokdarwis, the community as managers, business actors, and tourists. The results show that the Tourism Office's strategy in developing Pandaratan Beach has been formulated based on the Central Tapanuli Regency Tourism Office's strategic plan (Renstra). This strategy focuses on equitable distribution of development infrastructure with a superior commodity-based approach, which aims to support tourist attractions and increase the contribution of the tourism sector to regional development. The strategy implementation is realized through various programs, including proposing basic infrastructure development, human resource development through training, destination promotion through social media, development of natural tourism products, and the formation and empowerment of tourism awareness groups (Pokdarwis) as drivers of tourism awareness campaigns. The implications of this study indicate that the development of Pandaratan Beach has not been fully optimal and still faces several obstacles, such as limited supporting facilities, less than optimal tourism services, and uneven community participation, so that the impact on the quality of tourism services, increasing community participation, and the sustainability of the destination still needs to be strengthened. Therefore, a comprehensive and sustainable strengthening of the strategy is needed through cooperation from related parties so that the Pandaratan Beach tourist destination can develop more optimally based on superior commodities.

Air memiliki peran penting dalam banyak narasi di dalam Perjanjian Lama, berfungsi sebagai simbol yang kuat dari penciptaan, pemurnian, dan pembebasan. Penelitian ini mengkaji simbolisme air yang multifaset, menjelajahi implikasi spiritual, sosial, dan ekologisnya dari kisah penciptaan hingga pembebasan bangsa Israel dari Mesir. Dengan menggunakan analisis kualitatif terhadap teks-teks alkitabiah dan interpretasi ilmiah yang relevan, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengungkap makna yang lebih dalam dari air dalam narasi-narasi ini dan bagaimana makna tersebut beresonansi dengan isu-isu kontemporer terkait keberlanjutan dan pengelolaan sumber daya. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa simbolisme air melampaui konteks alkitabiah, menawarkan wawasan tentang tantangan modern terkait dengan kelangkaan air dan pengelolaan lingkungan.

The Community Service Program (KKN) is one of the important ways of serving the community in preserving local culture. This activity was carried out in Pangkat Village, Lembah Sorik Marapi Subdistrict, with the aim of safeguarding Gordang Sambilan as a symbol of Mandailing local wisdom. The program sought to raise awareness among the community, especially the younger generation, about the philosophical, spiritual, and social values embedded in Gordang Sambilan, while also encouraging the emergence of a new generation of traditional art performers. The method applied combined a participatory-collaborative approach with educational and cultural strategies, along with the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) model. The stages of the program included preparation, socialization, cultural performances, and basic training. The results showed increased community participation, strong enthusiasm among the younger generation to practice, and support from village officials and cultural leaders. This program demonstrates that active intergenerational involvement through direct practice can strengthen Mandailing cultural identity and open opportunities for the development of culture-based tourism.