Telkom University Promotes Conscious Water Usage and Renewable Energy in Rural Communities

Keywords: Water Awareness, Sustainability, Community Empowerment

Promoting Conscious Water Usage

In the broader community, Telkom University raises awareness on conscious and responsible water usage through various community service programs and student social projects such as the Innovillage initiative.
One notable project under this program is the Water Supply System with Ultrafiltration Membrane Technology implemented in Sukamulya and Cupunagara Villages, Subang Regency, West Java. The project focuses on optimizing water use by providing access to clean and safe water through modern filtration systems, improving local living conditions while encouraging sustainable resource management.

Through community service activities, Telkom University also conducts training and assistance programs such as Rainwater and Tap Water Treatment Workshops and Rainwater Harvesting Storage Development combined with electrolysis technology to convert collected rainwater into usable water.

Renewable Energy Initiative in Baros Village

On December 8, 2024, a team of Telkom University lecturers conducted a Community Service (Pengmas) program in Baros Village, Arjasari Subdistrict, Bandung Regency. The program aimed to educate residents and implement a Rooftop Solar Power Plant (PLTS Atap) system to support the operation of clean water wells in the area.

Baros Village, known for its ecotourism and cultural potential, still faces clean water challenges in several areas. The installation of the solar-powered water pump system reduces dependency on PLN electricity, lowers operational costs, and promotes the use of clean energy. The system, installed at Pesona Sampalan Indah swimming pool, consists of photovoltaic panels, an inverter, and an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) that switches power between the solar system and the PLN grid.

In addition to the installation, the team conducted technical training for local residents on system operation and maintenance, along with education on renewable energy benefits and sustainability awareness.

Community Impact and Sustainable Benefits

The renewable energy-based community service program has provided significant positive impacts for Baros residents by:

• Offering a sustainable energy solution for operating clean water systems, particularly in areas lacking reliable grid power.
• Reducing electricity costs and promoting energy independence through locally sourced renewable resources.
• Enhancing community capacity through technical training and ongoing mentoring on clean energy maintenance.
• Supporting eco-tourism development and positioning Baros as a model village for sustainable energy adoption.

This initiative also strengthens local institutions such as BUMDes, which play a crucial role in managing community energy resources and maintaining long-term project sustainability.