UNDIP, Nusakambangan (20/6) – The Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto, together with the Chair of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Siti Hediati Soeharto, officially inaugurated the utilization of a seawater-to-drinking-water purification technology developed by Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) in Nusakambangan, Cilacap Regency. The deployment of this technology marks an important milestone in UNDIP’s efforts to ensure that its research innovations deliver tangible benefits to society.
The desalination technology provides a solution to the long-standing challenge of securing drinking water in Nusakambangan Island. Previously, drinking water for correctional facility residents and staff had to be transported from outside the island, including from mountain water sources in the Purwokerto Sub-district area. Today, the abundant seawater surrounding Nusakambangan Island can be converted into safe drinking water through technology developed by Prof. Dr. I Nyoman Widiasa, S.T., M.T., Professor at UNDIP’s Faculty of Engineering.
During the visit, the Chair of Commission IV praised UNDIP’s contribution in addressing the clean water needs of Nusakambangan Island.
“UNDIP has helped here in Nusakambangan Island, where water is scarce. Seawater, which is readily available around us, no longer needs to be replaced with purchased water. It can be processed into clean drinking water and even prepared for commercial distribution. This movement is an extraordinary innovation. Congratulations to UNDIP. Hopefully, it can be further developed in other regions as well,” said Siti Hediati Soeharto.
The Rector of UNDIP, who accompanied the visit, stated that the inauguration of the desalination technology represents an important achievement in translating research outcomes into practical solutions for society.
“We are very pleased that the water needs in Nusakambangan Island can now be met using seawater processed through a desalination machine developed by Prof. Nyoman and powered by solar panels. This demonstrates that university innovations can provide direct benefits to society and the nation,” said Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., Rector of UNDIP.
According to the Rector, the implementation of desalination technology in Nusakambangan aligns with UNDIP’s commitment to producing innovations that are both noble and valuable to society. The university remains committed to maintaining and expanding the trust placed in it to support national strategic programs through appropriate and impactful technologies.
The desalination facility has a production capacity of more than 20,000 liters of drinking water per day, sufficient to meet the needs of correctional facility residents and personnel working in the Nusakambangan Island area. Beyond providing a sustainable source of drinking water, the program also serves as a community empowerment initiative. Four correctional inmates nearing the completion of their sentences have received training to operate the facility, enabling them to manage its daily operations independently.
The deployment of UNDIP’s desalination technology in Nusakambangan Island is a concrete example of the downstream implementation of university research. It not only addresses a fundamental community need but also supports the development of a food security zone that the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections is currently establishing on Nusakambangan Island.
The program is also aligned with the vision of Impactful Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Diktisaintek Berdampak). It contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). Through innovations that directly benefit communities and support national strategic initiatives, UNDIP continues to strengthen its commitment as a university that is both noble and valuable to society. (Public Communication / UNDIP / Ninok / Edited by Nurul)