Bisnismetro.id, MALANG – The condition of the fishing village of Kondang Merak, an enclave located within a protected forest in South Malang, presents unique challenges due to the absence of electricity supply. Until now, residents have found their own ways to meet their household energy needs, including the use of generators and alternative energy sources—one of which is renewable solar energy.
“Two researchers from the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, along with eleven students from Universitas Dirgantara Marsekal Suryadarma, felt called to help solve this issue through research as part of an off-campus learning activity under the MBKM (Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka) program,” said the Head of LPPM (Research and Community Service Institute), Monday (01/10/22).
By utilizing the “Funding Assistance for the Independent Learning, Independent Campus Policy Research Program and Community Service based on Private University Research Results in 2021”
It all began with the idea of meeting a basic need of the Bina Karya Mina fishermen in Kondang Merak: access to ice to preserve their catch. Intensive discussions were held with partners to explore solutions despite limited resources—one key issue being the availability of electrical power to run freezers or fish coolers using solar technology. In order to ensure proper installation, both technical and cost calculations were required.
“Solar power technology must be precisely calculated in terms of electrical load. It also requires special-grade equipment. This renewable energy technology is environmentally friendly, appropriate, and beneficial for strengthening and developing food security, particularly in the field of wild-caught fish,” said Teguh Santoso, Wednesday (01/12/2022).
Eventually, after completing cost and load calculations, the solution was realized through a collaborative effort. Together, stakeholders worked on site preparation, assembly, and system activation with support from partner organizations including Rumah Mandiri Energi, Sahabat Alam Indonesia, and the fishermen community of Kondang Merak. (***)
source: bisnismetro.id
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