Info Terbaru - Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat

Nabaheng Village on Kei Besar Island, Southeast Maluku, Now Connected to Satellite Internet Through the Digital Village Program. Nabaheng Village on Kei Besar Island, Southeast Maluku, is now connected to satellite internet thanks to the Digital Village program, a collaboration between the Research and Community Service Institute of the Bandung Institute of Technology (LPPM ITB) and the Ministry of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration (Kemendesa PDTT). This initiative aims to provide stable and reliable internet access to the community, opening up new opportunities in education, the economy, and overall village welfare.

In a press release received by harian-maluku.com on Friday, November 29, 2024, Dr. Khairul Ummah, a lecturer in Aeronautical Engineering at ITB, highlighted the internet's potential to break rural isolation and inspire innovation. According to him, the internet enables residents to learn through platforms like YouTube and experiment with simple solutions using local resources. Additionally, internet access is expected to boost productivity, particularly in 3T regions (Frontier, Outermost, and Disadvantaged areas).

Collaboration and Challenges in Implementation

The installation of satellite internet devices in Nabaheng Village was carried out collaboratively by the ITB team and local residents. Despite challenges such as difficult terrain and heavy rainfall causing power outages, the community’s spirit of togetherness ensured the successful installation of devices. Two strategic Wi-Fi points were established, including one in front of Fangnan Church, the central hub of Nabaheng's community activities.

Following the success in Nabaheng, the installation continued to Ohoilim Village, located about 20 minutes away. The Wi-Fi device in Ohoilim was installed at the Village Hall, enabling more residents, including schoolchildren, to use the internet for learning through educational videos.

Training and Technology Utilization

This program not only focused on device installation but also included training for the community on internet use and cybersecurity. The training, held at Nabaheng's multipurpose hall, was attended by participants from neighboring villages such as Ohoilim and Ohoinangan. In addition to learning how to use the internet, participants discussed daily challenges such as drought during the dry season, high transportation costs, and low purchasing power.

Through YouTube tutorial videos, residents learned various simple solutions to add value to local products, such as turning coconuts into oil and charcoal or bananas into chips and dried snacks. These ideas provided new hope for utilizing resources previously considered waste. One participant expressed amazement after learning that coconut shells could be processed into charcoal for personal use or sale.

Discussions also covered managing and marketing local products through social media and online platforms. With guidance from the ITB team, residents began understanding the importance of attractive product packaging to compete in broader markets. Inspiration from other villages that successfully processed cassava into mocaf flour also provided valuable lessons for Nabaheng and its neighbors.

Inter-Village Collaboration

Beyond technical training, the program encouraged collaboration among villages. The ITB team initiated a shared learning program as part of the cooperation between three villages—Nabaheng, Ohoilim, and Ohoinangan—that are now digitally connected. The philosophy of ain ni ain , meaning "one owns one," serves as the foundation for strengthening solidarity in leveraging technology for collective welfare.

As a follow-up, village residents formed working groups focused on local product processing and online marketing. The ITB team remains committed to supporting this process, ensuring these villages not only become digitally connected but also independent and empowered through technology as a catalyst for change.

A Wise Message on Technology Use

The program concluded with a message from Nabaheng's pastor, who reminded residents to use the internet wisely. She urged them to harness technology for learning and finding beneficial solutions for the village, rather than solely for personal purposes. This message emphasized the importance of responsibility in utilizing technological advancements for the common good.

Through this program, Nabaheng and Ohoilim have not only gained internet access but also new opportunities to improve their quality of life through simple, technology-based innovations. The collaboration between residents and the ITB team serves as a testament to how mutual cooperation and technology can work hand-in-hand to create positive change.

26