Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), represented by researchers from the Center for Energy Studies (PSE UGM), the Center for Environmental Studies (PSLH UGM), the Faculty of Engineering (FT UGM), and the Faculty of Geography (Geography UGM), in collaboration with Artha Graha Peduli (AGP) and the Bali Mangrove Care Forum (FPM-B), organized a workshop as a side event of the 10th World Water Forum (WWF) titled “Water-Energy Nexus, Achieving SDGs” at Telaga Waja, Tanjung Benoa Mangrove Rehabilitation Area, Bali, on Thursday (May 23).
Participants from six countries attended this event, including those from Pakistan, Nigeria, Malaysia, the Philippines, Slovakia, and Indonesia.
The workshop featured three speakers: Dr. Rachmawan Budiarto, a researcher from PSE UGM; Dr. Lintang Nur Fadlillah, a researcher from PSLH UGM and Geography UGM; Novias Nurendra, Senior Advisor at PT Hutama Karya; and Nyoman Sweet Juniartini from the Bali Mangrove Care Forum, moderated by Dr. Intan Supraba, a lecturer from FT UGM.
Dr. Lintang Nur Fadlillah stated that the coverage of drinking water services in Indonesia has now reached 91.05%, and access to sanitation has increased by 80.92%, but many remote areas, especially coastal regions, still have limited access to clean water and drinking water.
“Small islands often face challenges in providing clean and drinking water,” said Dr. Fadlillah.
Dr. Rachmawan Budiarto introduced the solar panel-powered water desalination technology known as Photovoltaics Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (PV-SWRO). He noted that due to its technological features, desalination is increasingly being considered for drinking water.
“The combination of SWRO technology and solar-powered energy production is now available on the market for application in coastal areas,” Dr. Budiarto explained.
The PV-SWRO technology will be implemented on islands through the SALT Project, aligning with the Water-Energy Nexus concept.
According to a lecturer from the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics at FT UGM, the idea of this project is to supply sufficient, high-quality drinking water supported by renewable energy at an affordable cost.
“This project also emphasizes a transdisciplinary approach in offering solutions,” Dr. Budiarto stated.
He mentioned that the project’s implementation aims to apply PV-SWRO technology to selected remote islands in Indonesia, ensure the project’s operational and financial sustainability, and involve various stakeholders.
The workshop, attended by dozens of participants from six countries, is expected to generate new ideas from young activists in Indonesia and abroad about addressing water problems, especially on small islands and other dry areas. It also seeks to strengthen and expand international collaboration.
The workshop was attended by I Ketut Subandi, Head of the UPTD Tahura Bali, and reviewed by the Indonesian Ambassador to UNESCO.
The choice of the workshop location in the mangrove area aimed to convey the importance of mangroves as coastal protection, reducing seawater intrusion, improving water quality as mangroves can absorb nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphate that cause algae blooms, including sediment, and also mitigating climate change.
Author: Gusti Grehenson