Simple Technology, Big Impact for Koi Fish Farming
In the current era of technological development, many small business operators still do not directly benefit from technology. One example is koi fish farmers who still rely on experience and visual observation to maintain pond water quality. In fact, water quality is the main factor determining the success of koi farming. Without proper monitoring, changes in water conditions are often only noticed when the fish begin to show signs of stress or even die.
I encountered this situation firsthand while participating in a community service programme (KKN) in Sukowati Village, Gresik Regency. Through observation at Riski Koi Farm, I saw that the farm owner had good experience in cultivating koi fish but lacked a simple tool to monitor water quality, particularly the acidity level or pH. This meant the decision-making process still relied on estimates rather than measurable data. This fact also formed the basis of our team’s community service programme.
As a Mechanical Engineering student, I believe that a problem does not always require expensive technology or complex systems to solve. The most useful technology is that which suits the user’s needs, is easy to operate, and provides real solutions to the problems faced. This principle is known as Appropriate Technology, which is designed to be simple, economical, and easily applied by the community.
Through the KKN programme, we developed an Arduino-based pH meter as a form of Appropriate Technology. The device was designed using relatively easy-to-obtain components and can display the water’s pH value directly on an LCD screen. With this tool, the farm owner no longer has to rely solely on observing fish behaviour but can understand the water conditions based on more objective measurements.
To some, this tool may seem simple. However, I believe the value of an innovation is not determined by its sophistication, but by the extent of the benefits felt by its users. When technology helps people make faster and more accurate decisions, it has fulfilled its primary function.
The experience during the programme also taught us that the process of technology transfer does not stop at the creation of the device. Users also need to understand how to operate, maintain, and utilise the tool sustainably. Therefore, in addition to handing over the device to our partner, we also provided training on its use, calibration, and maintenance so it can be used independently after the KKN programme ends.
I believe the biggest challenge in implementing technology in society is not the limitation of the tools, but how the technology can be accepted and genuinely used in daily activities. Many innovations stop at being mere projects because they do not consider user needs. Conversely, simple technology that fits field conditions has a greater chance of providing long-term benefits.
As a Mechanical Engineering student, I believe the role of students is not only to study theory in the classroom but also to provide solutions to problems faced by the community. Through this KKN activity, I learned that engineering knowledge can be applied in various fields, including supporting the fisheries sector through simple innovations that have a real impact. This experience has further convinced me that technology should not just be a symbol of progress, but a means to improve the quality of life and productivity of the community.
In the future, I hope more Appropriate Technology innovations will emerge from universities and be directly applied within the community. Collaboration between students, academics, and business operators is an important step to create solutions that are relevant to real needs in the field. In this way, technology will not only develop in laboratories but also serve as an answer to the various challenges faced by society.