UNDIP, Semarang (January 13, 2026) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) has consistently implemented its humanitarian commitment by applying technological innovations to address the clean water crisis following floods and landslides in Padang City, West Sumatra. As a concrete step in disaster mitigation, UNDIP has operated an ultrafiltration machine unit specifically designed to produce potable water for affected communities.
This ultrafiltration technology has a highly significant production capacity, capable of generating 72,000 to 120,000 liters of clean water per day. With this production volume, the machine is projected to meet basic sanitation and consumption needs for approximately 1,200 to 2,000 people. The implementation of this technology serves as a crucial solution amid damage to regular water distribution infrastructure caused by natural disasters.
In operational terms, Universitas Diponegoro has established a strategic collaboration with Politeknik Negeri Padang to ensure the sustainability of the machine’s field performance. This synergy focuses on technical maintenance and on extending distribution coverage to remote areas with limited logistical access.
The distribution of clean water produced by the ultrafiltration machine is carried out daily in a systematic manner through coordination with the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) and the Padang City Regional Water Company (PDAM). Water is distributed using tanker trucks with a capacity of 5,000–6,000 liters to meet the needs of various disaster response posts and residential areas.
Based on on-site observations, the distribution process has been warmly welcomed by affected residents. The community is seen lining up in an orderly manner while carrying various water containers such as buckets, jerry cans, and water tanks to receive clean water supplies directly from PMI tanker trucks. Field officers actively assist in filling the containers to ensure efficient distribution and to reach all communities in need.
Through this technological innovation, Universitas Diponegoro hopes to ease the burden on the community and accelerate the recovery of West Sumatra’s socio-economic conditions. This initiative represents a tangible manifestation of the university’s dedication to providing science-based solutions for humanitarian purposes. (Public Communication/UNDIP/Riri)