PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero) Lauded for Engineering Excellence in Agricultural Water Access

The company created a solution to pressing water supply challenges in a village in East Java.

Bound to small rivers that often inadequately meet agricultural needs, Pleret Village in Pasuruan Regency, East Java often grappled with a significant water scarcity issue, primarily affecting its economy.

The geographical positioning, with rice fields, elevated higher than the water surface, resulted in suboptimal crop yields, especially during the dry seasons. This predicament forced residents to switch to planting corn, yielding lesser income compared to rice. Additionally, the lack of clean water sources impacted the quality of life, compelling residents to spend money on purchasing drinking water.

To address the pressing water supply challenges faced by the community, PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero) intervened by assisting in drilling wells. The aim was to ensure sufficient water supplies for irrigating rice fields and providing clean water to the residents of Pleret Village.

In June 2022, their efforts bore fruit as a successfully constructed drilled well began to provide an abundance of water, capable of irrigating 21 hectares of rice fields. This initiative allowed for the planting of rice in both rainy and dry seasons, significantly enhancing agricultural productivity.

Residents no longer had to purchase clean water, which was previously priced at IDR 5,000 ($0.32c) per gallon, immensely improving their daily lives. The availability of free clean water positively impacted their overall well-being.

The abundant water supply from the drilled wells also acted as a catalyst for the Pleret DAM Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) to envision and develop an integrated ecotourism area with a nature and culture conservation approach. This initiative aimed to empower the community, bringing about social welfare benefits for the people of Pleret Village.

The drilled well's water supply was strategically channelled into catfish ponds, fostering a sustainable fish farming system. The revenue generated from catfish farming was then allocated to various sectors, promoting both social activities and the overall development of the community.

Because of PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur's transformative intervention and innovative approach were recognised at the Asian Water Awards. The initiative secured both the Engineering Excellence of the Year - Indonesia award and the Outstanding Water Treatment Plant Design Award - Indonesia. These accolades highlighted the remarkable impact of PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur's initiatives, positioning them as pioneers in engineering and water treatment solutions.

PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur's interventions, especially in enabling sustainable water solutions in Pleret Village, serve as a beacon of hope for communities facing water scarcity issues. Their endeavours not only address immediate challenges but also foster innovative approaches that enhance overall community well-being and sustainability.

The Asian Water Awards is presented by Asian Power Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2024 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's revolutionary innovations and initiatives in the water industry in Asia, please contact Danica Avila at [email protected].