������Ƶ

This program aims to address the long-standing issue of clean water scarcity in the area, a problem caused by the region’s challenging geography which limits access to potable water.

Titled Water Solution for Pesantren (WASTREN): Dissemination of Drinking Water Treatment Systems and Technologies for Economic Independence in Islamic Boarding Schools, the program has been underway since February 2025. The main activities take place at Pondok Pesantren Manba’ul Ulum, which has long served as one of the primary clean water sources for the surrounding community, particularly during the dry season.

In this initiative, ITB’s Community Service Team collaborates with Rumah Amal Salman as both facilitator and donor. The program is guided by Prof. Dr. Yedi Purwanto, M.Ag., a lecturer from the Humanities Expertise Group at ITB’s Faculty of Art and Design (FSRD), and coordinated by Abdul Aziz, S.T., who serves as the program manager.

The project focuses on the application of science, appropriate technology, and the creation of art/design/architecture/community-based regional planning products, including methods, tools, designs, and prototypes.

The core of the project takes place at Pesantren Manba’ul Ulum in the Curug Pesantren Hamlet, which plays a key role in supplying clean water to the local population—especially during dry months. Utilizing simple filtration and disinfection technologies, the students designed a water treatment system based on local spring sources, intended to be independently managed by the pesantren.

“There’s actually great water potential in Karyasari Village, as proven by the presence of several natural springs,” explained Hanif Miftakhul Huda, Program Coordinator. “However, the village is situated above the river, making infrastructure development particularly challenging.”

He added that the community’s water needs have become urgent. Residents can no longer rely on manually fetching water from distant sources. This community service initiative is therefore focused on building infrastructure with water filtration technology to ensure quicker access to clean and safe drinking water for daily use.

The implemented technology involves a Reverse Osmosis (RO) 200 GPD filter system connected to a drinking fountain. The system features multi-stage filtration, UV-based purification, and an energy-efficient design that utilizes gravity flow. With this setup, water from the nearby Kiara spring can be processed into drinking water that is safe for consumption without boiling.

Beyond providing clean water access, the program also aims to enhance the pesantren’s economic self-sufficiency. The students proposed the establishment of a refillable drinking water depot, which would be managed directly by the pesantren’s students (santri). A total of 20 santri were involved in training for production, packaging, and distribution processes. Additionally, outreach activities on the importance of clean water consumption were conducted for approximately 50 village residents.

“This pesantren has enormous potential—both socially and geographically. We hope this technology can lay the groundwork for a clean water-based independent enterprise, while also strengthening the role of pesantren in community development,” Hanif added.

Karyasari Village is home to over 4,800 residents, the majority of whom work as agricultural laborers. According to 2021 data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) for Garut Regency, about 34% of the population has only completed early childhood education. This program is expected to contribute to improving the community’s quality of life, particularly in terms of health and access to clean drinking water.