UNDIP, Brebes (July 30, 2025) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), in collaboration with the Jawa Tengah Provincial Government, continues to strengthen its commitment to providing clean water access for coastal communities through the advancement of desalination technology. This initiative has now expanded with the official launch of a desalination installation in Randusanga Kulon Village, Brebes District, Brebes Regency, on Wednesday (September 30, 2025).
Deputy Governor of Jawa Tengah, Taj Yasin Maimoen, expressed his appreciation for UNDIP’s tangible contribution to addressing the challenge of clean water scarcity, primarily through innovations in drinkable water. “This is my second visit here. This time, with UNDIP, we’re initiating desalination—converting brackish water into fresh water ready for consumption. This is incredibly beneficial for the community,” said Taj Yasin.
The desalination technology in use was developed by Prof. I Nyoman Widiasa, a lecturer in chemical engineering at UNDIP’s Faculty of Engineering, and subsequently refined by the research team at UNDIP. “We’re pleased that UNDIP’s desalination units are now being applied in more areas. Previously, we implemented it in the Teluk Awur community in Jepara Regency, which now produces 200,000 liters of clean water daily for residents,” he explained.
A similar program was launched earlier in March 2025 at the Slamaran Flats in Pekalongan City. This innovation not only resolves clean water issues but also unlocks new economic opportunities. “With desalination, local MSMEs, such as seaweed syrup producers, can grow faster,” Taj Yasin added.
Randusanga Kulon Village Head, Affan Setyono, stated that the desalinated water would be distributed free of charge for one month to 2,685 households, with each receiving one jerry can. “We’re ready to manage and eventually sell the water at an affordable price to cover operations. Thank you to the Jawa Tengah Provincial Government and UNDIP for this generous grant,” Affan said.
In a separate statement, UNDIP Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., emphasized that this success is the result of applied research aimed at solving real community needs. “The desalination technology developed by Prof. Nyoman embodies UNDIP’s commitment to dignity and impact—as committed in UNDIP’s tagline ‘Noble and Valuable’—and is part of the Dikti Saintek Berdampak initiative that brings universities closer to society,” the Rector said.
The desalination program will continue to expand to other coastal regions, including Demak, Pati, and Rembang, in the upcoming month of August, as part of an ongoing innovation effort that directly benefits community welfare. (Public Communication/ UNDIP/ Nurul)