Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with Pertamina Foundation, inaugurated the Watu Macan Reservoir in Megeri Village, Blora Regency, Central Java Province, on Thursday (Sep. 25).
Built within UGM’s Special Purpose Forest Area (Kawasan Hutan Dengan Tujuan Khusus/KHDTK), the reservoir represents a strategic effort to support water conservation, community empowerment, and ecosystem resilience in Blora.
“The Watu Macan Reservoir reflects UGM’s collaboration with Pertamina Foundation as part of sustainable water management efforts while also empowering rural communities in critical land areas,” said Vice-Rector for Planning, Assets, and Information Systems, Dr. Arief Setiawan Budi Nugroho, during his remarks.
As the manager of KHDTK, UGM contributed land provision, technical assistance, and tree seedlings supplied by the Faculty of Forestry (Forestry UGM).
The reservoir will be complemented by the planting of fruit trees, such as durian and longan, which are expected to provide added economic value for local communities.
“The establishment of this reservoir symbolizes the strengthening of the university’s tri-dharma through research, community service, and community empowerment in forest areas,” Dr. Nugroho added.
Furthermore, Dr. Nugroho emphasized that the construction of the reservoir was viewed not only from a technical perspective but also through active community participation throughout the planning and inauguration process.
This approach is expected to foster a sense of shared ownership and encourage local residents to take pride in and preserve it.
“We hope this reservoir can serve as a best practice for participatory and sustainable water management, benefiting future generations,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Pertamina Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting environmental conservation through sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.
The construction of the Watu Macan Reservoir is part of a five-year collaboration agreement with UGM.
“Through this reservoir, we are not only providing water infrastructure but also building a reservoir of knowledge, economy, and environment for the community,” said the President Director of Pertamina Foundation, Agus Mashud S. Asngari.
Asngari further noted that the reservoir will serve as a model for conservation-based community empowerment in Blora. With support from UGM and the local government, the program is increasingly aligned with the needs of local residents.
“We hope this area will develop into a learning hub and ecotourism destination that benefits the community,” Asngari remarked.
Blora Regent Arief Rohman warmly welcomed the establishment of the reservoir, which he believed would provide significant benefits for the residents of Megeri Village and its surroundings.
In addition to ensuring water availability, he highlighted its potential to be developed as an agrotourism destination.
“We hope this reservoir can become a prototype of environmental management that benefits the community while strengthening the region’s tourism sector,” he said.
Independent Commissioner of PT Pertamina (Persero), Condro Kirono, stated that the Watu Macan Reservoir would enhance water security while opening new economic opportunities for local communities.
He regarded the collaboration as a strategic step in conservation and community empowerment.
“This reservoir must be preserved as it serves as a vital source of life for the community,” Kirono explained.
The inauguration ceremony concluded with the signing of an inscription, the traditional breaking of a clay jar, and a tree-planting activity.
These events underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in achieving environmental sustainability and community welfare.
The reservoir serves as concrete proof of the joint efforts by UGM, Pertamina, the local government, and the community in protecting forests while building a more sustainable future.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Firsto Adi