Untar Doctor Develops Floating Breakwater to Mitigate High Wave Impact

Hotma Harapan Saragih has officially been awarded a Doctorate in Civil Engineering from Tarumanagara University (Untar) after defending his dissertation regarding the development of an experimental model for a floating breakwater during an open examination on Tuesday (30/6).

Hotma developed the floating breakwater model as a solution for port protection in deep-sea areas that are difficult to reach with conventional construction. In his dissertation, titled ‘Development of an Experimental Model for Floating Breakwaters’, Hotma addressed the issue of high sea waves in Indonesia, which is flanked by the Pacific and Indian Oceans. These conditions frequently trigger abrasion and sedimentation, disrupting port activities.

He used the Linau Port in Bintuhan, Bengkulu, as a case study. The area has a depth of approximately 20 metres, making the construction of conventional breakwaters deemed inefficient in terms of cost. “If built conventionally, the cost would be very large, even reaching Rp2 trillion based on planning data. Therefore, I attempted to develop the floating breakwave concept as an alternative,” Hotma stated during his presentation.

The research utilised BMKG data, laboratory testing, numerical simulations using Flow-3D, and structural analysis through the Multi-Operating Structural Engineering Simulator (MOSES) software. Hotma compared two mooring systems, namely catenary mooring and pile mooring, to determine which model was most effective in reducing wave energy.

The research results showed that Model 1A, using a catenary mooring system with a structure width of 60 centimetres, was the best design as it produced the lowest wave transmission coefficient. “The results of the experimental and numerical calculations are still very good, as the difference is below 5 per cent,” he said.

He hopes his research findings can serve as input for the government, particularly the Ministry of Transportation, in the development of port infrastructure in deep-sea regions. “I hope this research can be utilised. At the very least, there is input for the Ministry of Transportation in port development and coastal protection,” he added.

Lead promoter Roesdiman Soegiarso appreciated the academic achievement, noting it reflects dedication and perseverance throughout doctoral studies. He encouraged Hotma to continue conducting research that benefits both science and the Indonesian nation.

Meanwhile, co-promoter Indra Noer Hamdhan noted that the doctoral degree achieved by Hotma is the fruit of hard work, prayer, and the support of family and colleagues. He expressed hope that the title would be a mandate to continue developing science and providing real contributions to society, the nation, and the world.