UGM and ITB Discuss Innovative Research to Support the Importance of Water Management for Food and Energy Security
By Iko Sutrisko Prakasa Lay - Mahasiswa Matematika, 2021
Editor M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.
JAKARTA, itb.ac.id – In an effort to address future natural resource crises, ITB held the ITB Summit on Water and Energy Technology Development for National Security on Thursday (October 31, 2024) at ITB Jakarta Campus. This event aimed to discuss water and energy development technologies to maintain national security. The Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Prof. Dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K)., Ph.D., was also present to deliver a presentation titled "The Direction of Research and Innovation Development at UGM within the Framework of the Water-Energy Nexus."
Prof. Ova explained that water is a fundamental source of life, including for humans. The human body is composed of 80% water, and water deficiency can lead to severe dehydration and even death. She reminded the audience that the availability of freshwater on Earth is highly limited. Of the total water supply, only 2.5% is freshwater, most of which is trapped in glaciers and underground, making it difficult to access. Therefore, proper water management and wise policies are crucial to ensure efficient utilization of water resources without compromising sustainability.
Prof. Ova emphasized the role of water in the interconnected food and energy systems, commonly referred to as the Water-Energy Nexus. In water management, key functions include providing irrigation for agriculture, supporting food production, and supplying energy through hydropower and biofuels. Water is also a critical element in maintaining quality of life and public health by providing clean drinking water and waste management services.
Amidst rapid population growth, excessive water use and climate change pose significant threats to water resource sustainability. Prof. Ova highlighted the importance of technological innovation in water management. According to her, the recurring threat of droughts caused by extreme weather phenomena such as El Niño requires governments and communities to adopt integrated approaches to managing water and energy resources. Additionally, the agricultural sector accounts for 80-90% of the total global freshwater consumption, utilizing both surface and groundwater.
Beyond discussing water-related challenges and its potential utilization, Prof. Ova also elaborated the specific issues faced by Indonesia, particularly the excessive use of groundwater in major cities. Rapid population growth and urbanization have significantly increased domestic water demand, which must be met with policies that ensure equitable access to clean water for all communities, especially marginalized groups. To tackle this issue, adequate infrastructure and policies that prioritize marginalized populations are essential.
Prof. Ova also highlighted Indonesia's vast hydropower potential which has not been optimally utilized. Of the 162 existing hydropower plants, most are concentrated on Java Island, while other regions with significant potential, such as those outside Java, have only 67 units. According to her, this presents both challenges and opportunities that must be managed effectively to support national energy security through renewable energy.
She further explained UGM’s role in water management and innovation to support the Water-Energy Nexus, involving multiple research centers at the university. UGM has specialized research centers focusing on related topics such as watershed management, integrated water resource management, and the socio-economic impacts of water scarcity. Additionally, research is being conducted on water rights and equitable water distribution to ensure that access to water is fairly distributed across all societal levels.
Prof. Ova stressed the importance of strengthening water resource governance, which includes watershed management, rehabilitation of degraded watersheds, and the management of protected forests and waste. To ensure water resource sustainability, management must be carried out comprehensively, including rehabilitating watersheds and protecting forest areas so that governance systems become more effective.
Concluding her presentation, Prof. Ova introduced innovative technologies being developed at UGM, such as the Water Monitoring System or "Water Moon," a tool designed to monitor the quality and quantity of water from wells or other sources, integrated with a tax calculation system for water usage. Additionally, UGM is advancing rainwater harvesting programs that involve students and communities through the community service program (KKN), precision agriculture systems, and water conservation initiatives to support sustainable food security. According to her, these innovative solutions can enhance water resilience while optimizing energy efficiency in Indonesia.
With the involvement of various cross-disciplinary stakeholders, Prof. Ova hopes that ITB and UGM can collaborate in developing water and energy management technologies and strengthen research partnerships in addressing climate change challenges and national security in the future.
Reporter: Iko Sutrisko Prakasa Lay (Mathematics, 2021)
Translator: Yafi Amri (Meteorology, 2021)
