Central Java Farmers Use Solar-Powered Pumps to Cut Production Costs

Solar-powered water pumps (PATS) have been installed at three locations in Central Java, specifically in Tengengwetan Village (Pekalongan Regency), Brebes Regency, and Cilacap Regency. Governor Ahmad Luthfi visited the installation in Tengengwetan Village, Siwalan District, Pekalongan Regency, to observe its application firsthand. Luthfi explained that solar-powered pumping is highly effective, as it saves energy by replacing fossil fuel-based diesel pumps, produces no pollution, and can operate 24 hours a day. “These three pump points irrigate a total of around 50 hectares of agricultural land, with the one in Pekalongan covering nearly 20 hectares,” Luthfi stated on Monday (10/8/2026). He made the remarks after symbolically handing over the aid and inspecting the PATS. The three PATS sites will serve as role models for all regencies and cities in Central Java, with the potential to become a national pilot project. “We will develop this further, socialise it, and prepare the infrastructure. This solar pump technology is also already being used in Sayung, Demak, to manage flooding,” Luthfi added. Beyond agriculture, Luthfi noted that this pump model can be applied in other sectors, reinforcing Central Java’s transition towards new renewable energy and the development of a green economy. Kirom, a representative of the Tengengwetan Village Farmers’ Group Association (Gapoktan), said the PATS assistance has reduced farmers’ expenses on diesel. Previously, using a diesel pump for one full day and night consumed approximately 30 litres of diesel. With PATS, diesel consumption for water pumping has dropped to 15 litres. He explained that around 30 rice farmers are utilising the PATS aid, drawing water from a nearby river to irrigate nearly 20 hectares of rice fields. “The diesel pump is only used at night; during the day, we use solar power. So it is more economical, and we can reduce production costs,” he said. Gilang, a representative of Gapoktan Tani Makmur in Banjaranyar Village, Brebes Regency, echoed this sentiment, stating the PATS is highly beneficial for farmers in his area by saving fuel. “Our irrigation relies on water from the south. During the dry season, seawater intrusion affects the irrigation channels. With this solar pump, we use a borehole, so the water is no longer saline and we can plant again. Our farmers can advance their planting season and manage the growing season themselves,” he said.