Through the LIMAR Programme, UPI Assists Solar Panels for Underprivileged Residents
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) is strengthening its commitment to community service through the UPI Berdampak LIMAR (Independent People’s Electricity) programme by providing solar power panel assistance to underprivileged residents in Mekarsari Village, Rongga Subdistrict, West Bandung Regency (KBB) last week.
Previously, UPI had also provided solar panels to local residents. This addition was carried out alongside monitoring and evaluation activities for the utilisation of the solar panels that residents have used over the past six months.
UPI Rector Didi Sukyadi, along with Vice Rector for Education and Quality Assurance, Vanessa Gaffar, directly inspected the condition of the solar panels that have been in use by residents for the past six months and engaged in dialogue with the beneficiaries to understand the programme’s impact on their daily lives.
“The LIMAR programme is a community service initiative aimed at improving energy access for underprivileged families who do not yet have adequate electricity lighting. Through the installation of solar power panels, residents can now utilise an environmentally friendly energy source for household lighting needs.
“These solar panels must be maintained to ensure they can be used in the long term. Hopefully, with this lighting, residents can engage in activities at night, thereby becoming more productive,” the rector explained.
SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION
In addition to reviewing the utilisation of solar panels that have been in use for the past six months, Didi also witnessed the installation of solar panels at residents’ homes that previously lacked electricity access. The Rector also inspected the condition of the beneficiaries’ residences. Based on field observations, some residents’ homes were deemed to require further attention, and coordination with various parties is underway to prepare support for home renovations for those in need.
“After seeing the conditions on the ground, we assess that there are residents’ homes that are unfit for habitation. We will prepare a renovation budget so that residents can live in more decent homes,” he stated.
According to Didi, in addition to energy assistance and home renovation plans, UPI will also help provide a mosque loudspeaker system for local residents after it was found that the call to prayer is not clearly audible in some areas.
The LIMAR programme not only brings energy solutions to the village community but also contributes to achieving sustainable development goals such as access to clean energy based on solar power, improving the quality of life for underprivileged families, developing sustainable energy technology in rural areas, and quality education because electricity lighting enables children to study at night.
EID PACKAGES
In addition to monitoring, evaluation, and the installation of new solar panel equipment, the UPI Rector also handed out Eid packages to LIMAR beneficiaries.
Through this monitoring activity, UPI reaffirms its commitment to continuously developing community service programmes that provide tangible impacts for residents in areas still facing limitations in access to basic infrastructure.
The LIMAR programme is expected to serve as a model for collaboration between universities, communities, and various stakeholders in delivering sustainable technological solutions that directly contribute to improving the living standards of the community.