Residents of Gamta Village, Magey Village, and Kapatcol Village in West Misool District, Raja Ampat Regency, Southwest Papua Province, have received clean water assistance through a program by the Institute for Research and Community Service, Bandung Institute of Technology (LPPM ITB).

The program aims to address the ongoing clean water crisis in these areas by drilling for water in Gamta Village, Magey Village, and Kapatcol Village, West Misool District.

The initiative involves experts from ITB, including Dr. Rer. Nat. Widodo, S.T., M.T., Dr. Eng. Arno Adi Kuntoro, S.T., M.T., Mohammad Farid, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., and a team installing IGW ultrafiltration drinking water devices led by Dr. M. Rofiq Iqbal. In addition to water drilling, IGW ultrafiltration devices, developed by Prof. I Gede Wenten, are being installed.

The ultrafiltration technology for drinking water is a membrane-based purification method equipped with antibacterial agents. This technology effectively filters iron, colloids, and other particulates that cause turbidity while maintaining essential minerals in the water.

The water detection process uses geological and geophysical surveys, geoelectric surveys, and electromagnetic surveys.

The clean water drilling program in Gamta Village, Magey Village, and Kapatcol Village is funded by LPPM ITB and the ITB LAPI Foundation. The program also receives support from the village heads, utilizing the "Village Fund" as a testament to their commitment to addressing the clean water crisis.

Several programs by LPPM ITB in these three villages include:

1. ITB Community Service Program 2024 (Top-Down Scheme)
2. Drilling technology for clean water in the three villages
3. Installation of water tanks and filtration systems for potable water
4. A community self-help program supported by LPPM ITB

The primary goal of the clean water drilling program in these three villages is to provide access to clean water to improve public health.

The program also receives support from local authorities. West Misool District Secretary, Moh Saleh Wihel, SE, via a WhatsApp call on Sunday (28/7/2024), mentioned that the concept of providing drinking water through ultrafiltration is a new idea in the area.

Saleh Wihel hopes that this program will continue sustainably and have a tangible impact on the community. The clean water aid is intended not only for household needs but also to support residents' economic activities.

"On behalf of the West Misool District government, we thank LPPM ITB for their assistance. We hope that the clean water supply can support residents' economic activities and that this program will continue," he said.

The clean water drilling program in these three villages is scheduled to start in early August.

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