UGM Vocational School and Hutama Karya Introduce Rainwater Harvesting Technology in Sleman

The Vocational School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has reinforced its commitment to providing sustainable clean water access through the HK WASH Infra (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Infrastructure) programme. This innovation has been implemented in Padukuhan Gemawang, Kalurahan Sinduadi, Kapanewon Mlati, Sleman Regency, as a solution to the declining river water discharge during extended dry seasons. The programme, part of the ‘Nandur Tuk Banyu’ initiative, is the result of a strategic collaboration between the UGM Vocational School, PT Hutama Karya (Persero), and the Kinarya Anak Bangsa Foundation. The handover was conducted officially by PT Hutama Karya’s Head of TJSL Unit, Dianita Saraswati, attended by Sleman Regent Harda Kiswaya and relevant officials on Tuesday (23/6). Primary technical support was provided by the Department of Civil Engineering of the UGM Vocational School. The developed system relies on the Gama Rain Filter Rainwater Harvesting Installation (IPAH). This technology not only collects water but also treats it to meet drinking water quality standards. Pratama Tirza Surya Sembada, M.Sc., Assistant at the Hydraulics and Environment Laboratory of SV UGM, explained that rainwater has significant potential as a quality alternative water source. ‘Rainwater is essentially clean if the catchment medium, such as the roof, is in a clean condition. The Gama Rain Filter IPAH is equipped with three filtration stages: a leaf filter, coarse dust filter, and fine dust filter,’ Tirza stated. To ensure consumption safety, the system is combined with additional treatment measures. Beyond providing clean water, this programme functions as a disaster mitigation instrument. By harvesting rainwater, the volume of surface runoff can be reduced, thereby minimising flood potential in densely populated areas. The programme also aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 concerning access to clean water and proper sanitation. Through the spirit of ‘Nandur Tuk Banyu’ (Planting Water Springs), the technical team also promotes the construction of infiltration wells, biopores, and the planting of conservation vegetation to maintain the hydrological cycle in both upstream and downstream areas. The team includes Prof. Agus Maryono, Pratama Tirza Surya Sembada, M.Sc., Hendra Agus Herlambang, and Teaching Factory (TeFa) Water Resources and Rainwater Harvesting students Sandhy, Wichak, and Aji. PT Hutama Karya’s Head of TJSL Unit, Dianita Saraswati, affirmed that the company’s involvement in HK WASH Infra represents a tangible commitment to delivering infrastructure that directly impacts community welfare. Meanwhile, Kinarya Anak Bangsa Foundation Founder Rosita Yuwanasari noted that this initiative has been registered as SDGs Action #51577, which prioritises holistic protection of water resources. With this collaboration, Padukuhan Gemawang is expected to become a pilot model for other regions in managing clean water self-sufficiency. ‘In the future, there should be no more areas that experience flooding during the rainy season but then struggle with water shortages during the dry season,’ Tirza concluded.