UNDIP, Semarang (February 15) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) has become a strategic partner in supporting the swift initiative of the newly elected Governor of Jawa Tengah Province, Ahmad Luthfi, to implement a seawater and brackish water desalination program, making it suitable for drinking. This initiative is one of the commitments he emphasized during debates and public dialogues throughout his campaign.
In a coordination meeting held at the Institute for Research and Community Service UNDIP office (Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat / LPPM), the Governor’s Transition Team, along with the Regional-Owned Enterprise (Badan Usaha Milik Daerah / BUMD) of Jawa Tengah Tirta Utama and the Bina Marga Cipta Karya Public Works Office (Pekerjaan Umum Bina Marga Cipta Karya / PUBMCK), discussed strategic steps to accelerate the program’s implementation. UNDIP was chosen as a partner due to its extensive experience in developing desalination technology in several northern coastal areas of Jawa Tengah, such as the Demak and Jepara regencies.
Vice Rector IV for Innovation, Research, Cooperation, and Public Communication, Wijayanto, Ph.D., stated that this collaboration aligns with UNDIP’s motto of “Noble and Valuable UNDIP.” He emphasized that UNDIP aims not only for academic excellence but also for meaningful contributions to society. “As the largest university in Jawa Tengah Province, UNDIP seeks to benefit the province, particularly by partnering with the provincial government in this seawater desalination program,” he added.
Chairman of LPPM UNDIP, Prof. Dr. Ing. Ir. Suherman, S.T., reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting sustainable development in Jawa Tengah. “UNDIP has expertise in desalination technology and has demonstrated its benefits to coastal communities. We are ready to collaborate with the local government to expedite this program’s realization,” he stated. Prof. Suherman further highlighted that UNDIP’s desalination technology not only ensures access to clean water but also promotes economic value and environmental sustainability.
Meanwhile, the Governor’s Transition Team Leader, Dr. Zulkifli, stressed that the desalination program is a top priority within the first 35 days following the governor’s inauguration. “We want to ensure that this program quickly benefits the communities, particularly in coastal areas that have long struggled with access to clean water,” he stated.
Additionally, this initiative is expected to help address environmental issues such as land subsidence caused by excessive groundwater extraction.
Wahid Abdulrahman, a political analyst from UNDIP’s Department of Politics and Governance, noted that the governor’s swift action reflects a practical network management approach. “Mobilizing strategic actors early on is a positive step toward realizing a people-centered program that truly benefits the public,” he said. However, he also cautioned that the program’s success would depend on consistent implementation and transparent management to prevent it from becoming merely a political image-building effort.
As an academic institution dedicated to community welfare, Universitas Diponegoro remains committed to supporting innovations and policies that enhance the well-being of Jawa Tengah residents, including sustainable clean water solutions. (ed. NH)
