UPNVJ Introduces Ultrasonic and IoT Pest Control Technology to Boost Harvests in Kutamukti

The threat of rat pests to rice production has prompted Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta (UPNVJ) to introduce pest control technology based on ultrasonic waves and the Internet of Things (IoT). The technology was implemented through a Community Service Programme (PKM) in Kutamukti Village, Kutawaluya District, Karawang Regency, West Java, from 13 to 15 August 2026.

The programme, supported by the Directorate of Research, Technology, and Community Service (DRTPM) of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, targeted two farmer groups: Poktan Ranca Ekek and Poktan Mukti Jaya I. The PKM team introduced a system integrating ultrasonic technology, strobe lights, natural predator sounds, and IoT-based controls.

The device is also designed to use solar panels so that it can operate in rice fields without depending on the state electricity grid. The problems faced by farmers in Kutamukti have been quite serious. Based on field identification, rice productivity in the partner area has declined over the past two years from an average of 9-10 tonnes per hectare to 3-5 tonnes per hectare.

The programme was led by Nurul Afifah Arifuddin, with faculty members Galih Prakoso Rizky A and Hengki Tamando Sihotang. They brought three students into the field: Akbar Fitri Andhika (Informatics), Praffi Ramadhani (Informatics), and Dara Ramadhani Aresti (Informatics).