I remember the moment I first heard about Andy Suryansyah and his mosquito-trapping innovation, Falle. The more I discovered about his story, the more it felt like one of those rare inspirations that don’t just inspire you but make you re-evaluate your own aspirations. Here was a person who saw a problem affecting his community and decided to address it with an innovative spirit, tackling an issue so widespread yet often underestimated. Inspired by Andy’s journey, I find myself asking: what could I create, or change, that could benefit others in such a meaningful way?
Living in Surabaya, Andy had seen the toll that mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue fever could take. The numbers were staggering. In Indonesia alone, 88,593 cases of Dengue fever were reported in 2024, with over 600 deaths. For years, this threat loomed over many communities, particularly during the rainy season when cases soared. It was hard to ignore these numbers, and Andy decided he couldn’t just stand by.
Andy’s life wasn’t always focused on mosquito control. Initially, he pursued his education in Computer Engineering at the Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya, working on projects that, at first glance, seemed far removed from pest control. Like many young people in his area, he could have settled for a secure office job, yet something inside him wanted more. Andy chose a different path—one that would test his patience, strain his resources, and challenge his resilience in unexpected ways.
The beginning of Falle was not without its hurdles. Andy recalls the skepticism he faced from his parents. They couldn’t fathom why he would invest time and resources into an experimental device when he could have easily followed a more traditional path. But he asked them for one year. “If I can’t prove myself within a year,” he promised, “I’ll take up an office job.” So, they agreed—reluctantly. His neighbors were also skeptical, though for different reasons. The initial prototype of Falle simply repelled mosquitoes, unintentionally driving them towards neighboring homes. After a few complaints, one neighbor bluntly advised him, “Just trap them instead of scaring them off!”
Taking this advice to heart, Andy went back to the drawing board, refining his invention. To develop a reliable mosquito trap, he needed to understand mosquito behavior. Through research, he learned that female mosquitoes, the primary carriers of the virus, are drawn to sound frequencies similar to those produced by male mosquitoes. Using this knowledge, Andy designed Falle to emit a sound that lured in the females. Once close, they were drawn to a UV-C light, where they’d be trapped and eliminated by a low-voltage electric mesh.
Through trial and error, Falle began taking shape. The final product was a 20x20 cm device, an unassuming cube that had the power to make a difference. It not only trapped mosquitoes effectively but was energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, running on just 15 watts. Quiet enough not to disturb a room’s atmosphere, Falle could blend seamlessly into any setting while performing its crucial job. To Andy, though, Falle wasn’t just a device—it was the tangible realization of his promise to his parents, his commitment to his community, and his answer to the pressing threat of disease.
The turning point came in 2013 when Falle caught the attention of the SATU Indonesia Awards, an annual award program by PT Astra International that recognizes Indonesians who create real change in their communities. With a compelling presentation, Andy secured this prestigious award, marking Falle as a technology that didn’t just repel mosquitoes but was socially impactful, environmentally friendly, and—above all—life-saving.
Winning the SATU Indonesia Award was transformative for Andy. Not only did it validate his work, but it brought Falle the recognition and resources needed to reach a wider audience. Orders poured in, and suddenly, Andy found himself at the center of a demand he could barely keep up with. Even major platforms took note; Kick Andy, a popular Indonesian talk show, featured him, further bolstering his visibility and credibility. Andy had more than fulfilled his promise to his family, exceeding everyone’s expectations and bringing pride not just to his parents but to his entire community.
But the road didn’t become smoother. There were setbacks along the way, moments that tested his resilience in unexpected ways. At one point, Andy suffered a financial loss of nearly Rp 400 million due to a betrayal by someone he trusted. It was a blow that could have easily halted his progress, yet he chose to rebuild, focusing on the original vision that had driven him in the first place. Through it all, Andy remained determined, supported by friends and colleagues who believed in him and his mission.
Today, Falle stands as a symbol of resilience, community-driven innovation, and sustainable problem-solving. Its success is a testament to what’s possible when we dare to address issues that affect our communities, even if those issues are as small—and persistent—as a mosquito. Andy’s journey reminds us that innovation doesn’t have to be grandiose to make a difference; it just needs to address real problems, with sincerity and a sustainable approach.
Reflecting on Andy’s journey, I feel a renewed sense of purpose. His story makes me wonder what I could achieve with the right mix of passion, persistence, and purpose. While Falle is Andy’s gift to his community, I am inspired to find my own. Perhaps, one day, I, too, can create something with the potential to bring people together, make a difference, and contribute to a sustainable world.
In a world where success is often measured by quick wins, Andy’s path reminds us of the power of persistence. His story celebrates the spirit of togetherness, innovation, and sustainability—a vision we can all strive to carry forward, each of us playing our part to create a world that is both safe and hopeful for generations to come.
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