In the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck Cianjur Regency in November 2022, the village of Cijedil found itself grappling with a critical shortage of clean water. Traditional water infrastructure lay in ruins, leaving the community in dire need of innovative solutions. Enter the Kosabangsa program, a collaborative initiative between universities funded by the Directorate of Research, Technology, and Community Service, which has been working tirelessly to address this pressing issue.
At the heart of this effort is Tarmin Abdulghani, a researcher from Universitas Suryakancana, who has spearheaded the development of a cutting-edge water purification system. The system integrates a water purifier with solar cell technology and Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring, creating a robust solution tailored to the unique challenges of disaster-stricken areas.
“The goal was to increase the availability of clean water in Cijedil Village by leveraging technology that is both sustainable and scalable,” Abdulghani explained. The initial survey conducted by the team revealed the dire state of water infrastructure in the village, setting the stage for the design and implementation of their innovative system.
The results have been nothing short of transformative. By combining water purification with solar energy and IoT monitoring, the team has successfully increased the daily availability of clean drinking water from a mere 10,000 liters to an impressive 30,000 liters. This technological trifecta not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term sustainability and community resilience.
“The integration of solar cells ensures that the system is self-sufficient and environmentally friendly, while IoT technology allows for real-time monitoring and maintenance, ensuring the system’s longevity,” Abdulghani added. This approach not only benefits the local community but also holds significant promise for the energy sector, particularly in the realm of renewable energy integration and disaster response.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. The successful implementation of this system in Cijedil Village demonstrates the viability of integrating renewable energy sources with essential services like water purification. This model could be replicated in other disaster-prone areas, providing a blueprint for sustainable and resilient infrastructure development.
Moreover, the use of IoT technology for monitoring and maintenance opens up new avenues for remote management and predictive maintenance, reducing operational costs and improving efficiency. This could revolutionize the way water treatment facilities are managed, particularly in remote or disaster-stricken areas.
As the world grapples with the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, the need for innovative and sustainable solutions has never been greater. The work being done in Cijedil Village, as detailed in the recent publication in ‘Warta LPM’ (translated to English as ‘LPM News’), offers a beacon of hope and a model for future developments in the field.
This research not only highlights the potential of integrating renewable energy and IoT technology in water treatment but also underscores the importance of community involvement in ensuring the sustainability of such initiatives. By empowering local communities to take an active role in the maintenance and operation of these systems, the Kosabangsa program is fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility that is crucial for long-term success.
As we look to the future, the lessons learned from this project could shape the development of similar solutions in other parts of the world, ensuring that communities have access to safe and reliable water sources, even in the face of adversity. The work of Tarmin Abdulghani and his team serves as a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time.