Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, installed five solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Soropadan Hamlet, Tirtomulyo Village, Kretek District, Bantul Regency, on Wednesday (July 15). The systems are expected to support public lighting and operate community water pumps.
The installations use monocrystalline solar panels configured in series and parallel circuits to provide a more efficient and reliable electricity supply.
The installation was part of the ASEAN-NTU-UGM Summer School 2026, titled “Advancing Sustainable City Through Community Empowerment and Appropriate Technology in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.” As part of the program, students from nine ASEAN countries took part in a community service initiative by installing five solar PV systems.
Participants came from nine ASEAN member states: Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei Darussalam, and Laos. They were accompanied by faculty members from UGM and NTU Singapore, as well as representatives from partner universities across the ASEAN region.
Dr. Akmal Irfan Majid of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering UGM (FT UGM), and the program coordinator, said participants worked alongside residents during the field activities to assemble and install the solar PV systems. “Participants also engaged in discussions with community members about the potential of renewable energy as a more efficient, environmentally friendly, and sustainable energy solution,” Dr. Akmal said in a statement released to the media on Wednesday (July 29).
Dr. Akmal added that the technology is expected to provide the community with an independent and more cost-effective energy source while supporting the operation of clean water facilities.
“The solar PV installations also serve as an educational medium to raise public awareness about the importance of renewable energy as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability,” he said.
Beyond its technical benefits, Dr. Akmal noted that the program also strengthens academic ties and cultural diplomacy among students from ASEAN countries. Interactions throughout the program gave participants opportunities to exchange knowledge, experiences, and perspectives on sustainable development that they can apply in their respective countries.
He explained that the program was designed to provide students with learning experiences beyond the classroom while delivering direct benefits to the local community.
“This program provides students with an opportunity to learn while contributing through the application of appropriate technologies that communities can sustainably utilize,” he said.
Going forward, the UGM team, together with local community leaders, will provide ongoing assistance and conduct regular monitoring of the solar PV systems to ensure that they continue to operate optimally.
The Kretek project site is also planned to become a pilot area for clean energy-based community engagement that can support future Summer School programs and UGM’s Community Service Program (KKN-PPM UGM).
The collaboration between UGM and NTU Singapore highlights how partnerships among universities, students, and local communities can apply technological solutions to address community needs while supporting sustainable development.
Reporter: Widodo and Ayyub Rizqullah/DPkM
Author: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-Editor: Priyanandaningrat
Photo: Documentation of DPkM