SDG 6 In Number
Volume of water used in the university: Inbound (treated/extracted water) (m³)
94.092
Campus population
31.364
6.5.6 Promoting Conscious Water Usage in Wider Community
Promoting Conscious Water Usage in the Wider Community
In line with SDG 6, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) actively promotes conscious water usage not only on campus but also in the wider community. The university encourages initiatives that raise awareness, educate, and empower people to use water responsibly and sustainably. Through these efforts, UNS contributes to building a society that values water conservation and practices wise water management.
Alumni Initiative: SIAB Indonesia
Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) alumni actively contribute to promoting conscious water usage in the wider community through innovative initiatives, such as SIAB (Siaga Air Bersih) Indonesia. Founded by Ratih Rachmatika, an Electrical Engineering graduate, SIAB Indonesia is a social impact start-up that provides access to clean water for communities lacking a reliable water supply. The system utilizes Internet of Things (IoT) technology to monitor water quality, manage distribution, and detect leaks, enabling both operators and households to manage water resources efficiently.
Starting as a creative student project, SIAB Indonesia has grown into a comprehensive water management solution. Its main products include SIAB Monitoring for real-time water quality tracking, SIAB Distribution with digital water meters for households and water operators, and an automatic water filtration system currently under development. Through these technologies, UNS alumni actively educate communities on water conservation, raise awareness about the importance of water, and ensure that clean water reaches underserved areas.
The initiative has gained recognition through competitions and programs such as “Thinkubator” 2019 and “Appcelerate” by Lintasarta and UGM, demonstrating its positive impact. By combining technological innovation with social awareness, SIAB Indonesia exemplifies how UNS alumni can promote conscious water usage, thereby contributing to long-term, sustainable water practices in the wider community.
Student Community Service: KKN Program at SD Negeri Kaliwedi
UNS actively promotes conscious water usage in the wider community through student-led programs, such as the sanitation and water-saving awareness campaign at SD Negeri Kaliwedi 2, Gondang, Sragen. The program aims to increase students’ awareness of clean living habits and responsible water use for health and environmental sustainability, in line with SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation.
The activities included morning exercises, educational presentations, handwashing demonstrations, waste sorting, interactive games, and Q&A sessions. Students learned practical ways to save water, such as turning off taps after use and reusing water for watering plants. The interactive approach encouraged active participation, helping children understand the importance of conserving water and maintaining hygienic practices.
With strong support from teachers and active engagement from students, the program not only promotes conscious water usage but also fosters long-term awareness and positive habits among young learners. By educating the next generation, UNS contributes to building a community that values sustainable water management and responsible resource use.
Through alumni initiatives like SIAB Indonesia and student community programs such as KKN, UNS actively promotes conscious water usage in the wider community. These efforts not only provide immediate support and education but also foster long-term awareness and responsible water practices, reflecting UNS’s commitment to sustainable water management and the global SDG 6 agenda.
In 2024, UNS provided research and community service funding, focusing on SDG 6 topics, to achieve SDG 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. For example, the research “Optimization of Solar-Powered and IoT-Based Water Pump for Community-Based Drinking Water and Sanitation Supply in Dukuh Kalisogo” by Nanang Maulana Yoeseph and “Application of Infiltration Wells as a Groundwater Conservation Effort at Ath Taifuriyah Islamic Boarding School” by Dr. Budi Legowo encourage the wider community to use water consciously and preserve water resources.