UNDIP, Blora (September 10, 2025) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) has launched a community service program titled “UNDIP for Blora: Building Self-Reliant Villages with Water, Energy, and Sustainable Tourism” in Sambongrejo Village, Sambong Sub-District, Blora Regency, on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
The event was attended by UNDIP Rector, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si.; Dean of UNDIP Vocational School, Prof. Dr. Ir. Budiyono, M.Si., along with the Vocational School research team; Dr. H. Arief Rohman, S.IP., M.Si., Regent of Blora; Wahono Heru Prayitno, Head of Sambongrejo Village; Head of Batureco Village; UNDIP Vice Chair of LPPM for Community Service, Prof. dr. Achmad Zulfa Juniarto, M.Si.Med., Sp.And (K), M.M.R., Ph.D.; and the Sambongrejo Village community.
In his remarks, Regent of Blora Regency, Arief Rohman, S.IP., M.Si., expressed his appreciation for UNDIP’s contributions in assisting rural communities through clean water initiatives, renewable energy projects, and cultural tourism development in Blora Regency. He noted that Blora’s main challenge is water availability, especially during the dry season when both livestock and residents compete for limited water. The drinking water technology provided by UNDIP is expected to be a real solution for the community, while also opening up opportunities for further research in other areas with similar potential.
“The main problem in Blora Regency is water, especially during the dry season. UNDIP’s drinking water technology means so much to the community. We hope this program does not stop here, but can be expanded to make Blora’s water potential more valuable,” he said.
The Regent of Blora Regency also highlighted the potential of the cultural tourism village in Sambongrejo. “Sambongrejo Village has an extraordinary cultural tourism potential with Kampung Samin. With UNDIP’s support, the development of this tourism village will be more complete. We also welcome students to take part in developing the village’s potential and optimizing its local wisdom,” he added.
Rector UNDIP, Prof. Suharnomo emphasized that the knowledge held by universities must be given back to villages. He said this activity in Blora Regency marks the starting point of UNDIP’s contribution, which is expected to continue and benefit the local community. “If you possess knowledge, then it must be given to the village. This program in Blora Regency is the starting point that we hope will continue to bring benefits to the community,” the Rector said.
UNDIP Rector also underscored the importance of collaboration between universities and local governments. Through such partnerships, village potential can be developed without always depending on cities. According to him, villages still need educated people who care about their environment to foster independence from within.
The Rector also urged residents to maintain the newly installed water treatment facilities so their benefits can last. “The technology we brought here is certainly not perfect and will require improvements. That’s why we ask everyone to take care of it so its benefits can be sustained,” he said.
Three main initiatives were inaugurated at the event: the launch of the “Tirta Bening” drinking water production unit in Sambongrejo Village; the handover of a master plan for developing Kampung Samin as a local cultural tourism icon; and the inauguration of a solar power system in Botoreco Village, Kunduran Sub-District, to operate clean water pumps and street lighting.
The inauguration included the handover of the master plan, the signing of a commemorative plaque, the pressing of a symbolic button, and the cutting of a tumpeng by the UNDIP Rector and the Regent of Blora. Blora Regency officials, UNDIP academics, and residents witnessed the ceremony.
Blora’s limestone geology results in local well water having high hardness. Consuming this water, even after boiling, can still pose health risks due to excessive calcium and magnesium, which can strain the kidneys. This condition is believed to be one factor contributing to the high rate of kidney disorders in the community.
To address this issue, a membrane-based drinking water treatment unit was installed in Sambongrejo Village. This technology can filter out limestone, metals, and microbes to produce pure water that is safer for consumption. The resulting water is not only clear but also free from limestone odor and safe for daily drinking.
Through the synergy of universities, local governments, and the community, this community service program is expected to become a model for developing self-reliant and sustainable villages, while strengthening UNDIP’s role in delivering knowledge that directly benefits society. (Public Communication/ UNDIP/ Hng)
