Haru's Story from Aceh Tamiang: Clean Water ITB Innovation Helps Recover Chronic Diarrhea Baby

The symbolic handover of the Mobile Water Treatment Plant (ITB) in the affected area of the disaster in Aceh Tamiang, NAD. ANTARA/HO ITB

BANDUNG - The innovation of clean water filtration technology resulting from the collaboration between the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) and Paragon Corp is reported to have successfully helped residents in disaster-affected areas in Aceh Tamiang.

The technology has even been said to help recover a baby who had previously suffered from chronic diarrhea for a month after the disaster.

ITB Communication and Public Relations Director Nurlaela Arief said the baby gradually recovered after his family started drinking water from the filtration system of the ITB Mobile Water Treatment System (IPA). The device was installed in Sukajadi Village, Karang Baru District, Aceh Tamiang.

"This collaboration shows how the synergy between universities and the industrial sector can present technological solutions that provide real benefits to the community," said Nurlaela in a statement in Bandung, Antara, Sunday, March 8.

According to him, previously the baby's health condition did not improve even though he had undergone medical treatment.

Currently, the water purification installation technology is again placed in the affected area of the Aceh Tamiang disaster, precisely on the banks of the Tamiang River to suck up the murky river water.

Through the filtration process, the device is able to produce clear water with a capacity of up to 7,200 liters per hour.

The resulting water can be used for sanitation needs until it is consumed as drinking water. The Regent of Aceh Tamiang, Armia Fahmi, expressed his appreciation for the support of this technology.

He said the water purification equipment was brought from Bandung by land for about a week to the disaster-affected area.

"I hope that with the support of the government and many parties, the conditions here can recover faster," said Armia.

He also said that the local government was exploring further cooperation with ITB.

Currently, around 1,200 residents of Kampung Sukajadi depend on this water purification technology.

Filtered water is distributed through towers in residential areas to ensure equal access to clean water for disaster-affected communities.

In addition, some residents also came directly to the installation location to collect water.

Entering the holy month of Ramadan, queues of residents carrying empty gallons are often seen in the late afternoon to meet the need for clean water during Iftar and Sahur.

This humanitarian program is the result of cooperation between the Directorate of Community Service and ITB Expertise Services with the support of Paragon Corp.

The IPA Mobile innovation was developed by a team of experts under the direction of ITB Rector Tatacipta Dirgantara with the team leader Bagus Budiwantoro from the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (FTMD) of ITB and supported by the LAPI ITB Foundation.

In the handover of the program, Paragon was represented by Dwi Eliani who also witnessed the distribution of clean water for the community in the Aceh Tamiang area.