The Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), through its Community Service Program, has successfully provided a tangible solution to the long-standing clean water issue faced by the residents of Kalilam Village in South Papua. This program, led by Rofiq Iqbal, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., employs innovative technology designed to support the livelihoods of communities in remote and underdeveloped areas, especially in 3T regions (frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged).

Conditions Before the Program  
Prior to ITB’s intervention, the residents of Kalilam Village struggled significantly to access clean water. Swamp water of poor quality was often used for bathing and washing, while drinking water relied on rainwater collection, which was seasonal and weather-dependent. A small portion of residents used well water located approximately one kilometer from the village. These limitations not only hindered access but also negatively impacted the health and overall quality of life of the community.

Program Implementation 
Conducted from October 17–20, 2024, the ITB team traveled to Kalilam Village in Kimaam District, Merauke Regency. As the village lacks access to electricity from the national power grid (PLN), the solution included installing solar panels to power water pumps. Additionally, the team installed IGW Home Ultrafilter ultrafiltration membrane filters designed by Prof. I Gede Wenten. This filter can produce high-quality clean water without requiring additional energy, relying solely on gravity. The technology is considered simple yet highly effective in meeting the community’s needs.

Initiating the Collaboration  
This program was initiated following a request from Rico, the Head of Kimaam District and Person-in-Charge of Kalilam Village, through the *Desanesha* application. This application is a collaborative effort between ITB and the Ministry of Villages, designed to help village heads report real issues in the field relevant to the Village Development Indicators (IDM). The clean water issue in Kalilam Village became one of the top priorities submitted through the platform.

Direct Benefits to the Community  
Following the implementation of this program, residents of Kalilam Village can now enjoy a direct flow of clean water to their homes via a pipe network connected to the water pump. This has been a significant relief, as previously, they had to travel long distances to fetch water from wells. The program was met with great enthusiasm by the community, as expressed by Paharuddin, the Head of the Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMKAM), who stated that this initiative had long been awaited.

Hopes for Sustainability  
Looking forward, the community hopes that the program will continue to be developed. They aspire to utilize the filtered water not only for daily needs but also for economic activities, such as selling water to neighboring villages or passing ships. Furthermore, they seek increased electricity capacity so that the UV water filters already installed at the pump house can operate optimally, as well as an expansion of the pipe network to ensure all households in the village have equal access to clean water.

Positive Impact and Future Aspirations  
This ITB Community Service Program demonstrates that technological innovation can serve as an effective solution to challenges in remote areas. With the support of the government and various stakeholders, access to clean water in Kalilam Village has significantly improved, positively impacting the well-being of the community. The program’s sustainability is hoped to be maintained to ensure its long-term benefits. Rico, the Head of Kimaam District, expressed optimism, stating that this initiative marks a promising beginning for improving the standard of living in Kalilam Village.

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