UNDIP, Semarang (2/7) – The Maluku Provincial Government’s interest in the solar-powered seawater desalination technology developed by Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) has entered a more concrete stage. Following the visit of Maluku Governor Hendrik Lewerissa, S.H., LL.M. to observe the technology firsthand at UNDIP’s Teluk Awur Campus in Jepara on June 10, 2025, the provincial government is now moving forward by finalizing a cooperation agreement on the provision of clean drinking water through desalination technology for coastal areas and small islands.
Representing the Maluku Provincial Government at the meeting were Dra. Derita Yati Joisangadji, M.A., Head of the Cooperation Division of the Bureau of Government and Regional Autonomy of the Maluku Provincial Secretariat, and Rufaidah, S.T., M.T., Head of the Regional Research and Development Division of the Maluku Provincial Development Planning Agency (Bappeda). They were received by the UNDIP Rector and the university’s leadership team. During the meeting, UNDIP signed the cooperation agreement as part of its partnership with the Maluku Provincial Government. The provincial government will subsequently sign the document in accordance with applicable procedures before it officially takes effect.
Also attending the meeting were Prof. Dr. I Nyoman Widiasa, S.T., M.T., Head of the Jepara Campus Management Agency (BPKJ) and inventor of the desalination technology; drh. Dian Wahyu Harjanti, Ph.D., Director of Innovation and Cooperation; Dr. I Made Bayu Dirgantara, S.E., M.M., Deputy Director of Innovation and Cooperation; and Anantha Budhy Prakosa, S.T., M.Si., Administrative Manager of BPKJ.
On the occasion, UNDIP Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., expressed his appreciation for the Maluku Provincial Government’s trust in the university.
“We sincerely appreciate the visit of the Maluku Provincial Government. We hope this collaboration, which begins with water treatment, will continue to expand into many other fields. Once again, thank you, and please convey our regards to the Governor of Maluku and his team,” said the Rector.
Meanwhile, Prof. I Nyoman Widiasa explained that the partnership is a continuation of discussions initiated following Governor Hendrik Lewerissa’s visit to the UNDIP Jepara Campus last year.
“After the Governor’s visit last year, we held several discussions that eventually led to a mutual understanding to initiate cooperation in providing clean water through desalination technology. Looking ahead, we also hope this collaboration will expand into the field of marine research,” said Prof. I Nyoman Widiasa.
The solar-powered desalination technology developed by UNDIP is expected to provide a sustainable solution for clean water supply in the coastal areas and small islands of Maluku Province. The finalization of this partnership marks an important first step toward implementing the technology and strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions and regional governments to deliver innovative solutions that benefit local communities. (Public Communication/UNDIP/Ninok Hariyani)