University of Bengkulu Celebrates the 80th Independence Day by Providing Solar-Powered Pumps to Support Water Solutions for Farmers
The presence of the academic community is highly needed by society to help address various problems. Community members expect universities not only to engage in discussions but also to actively contribute in finding solutions and exploring local potential. This expectation is also strongly felt by the people of Enggano, an outermost island of Bengkulu, which is blessed with abundant natural resources in agriculture, plantations, and fisheries. Discussions between the Head of Banjarsari Village, Enggano, Mr. Rudi, and Dr. Sipriyadi, a lecturer from the University of Bengkulu, highlighted several agricultural issues faced by the community. These discussions revealed both the potential and challenges in agriculture, which in turn became opportunities for the University of Bengkulu to contribute through community service.The main problems identified were related to irrigation, seeds, and fertilizers. This is particularly crucial since Banjarsari Village is one of the agricultural centers on Enggano Island, supplying part of the island’s rice needs. Furthermore, Banjarsari is currently opening new agricultural land in line with the food security program launched by President Prabowo.
From field visits and discussions between the University of Bengkulu team and village officials, the UNIB community strengthened its commitment to helping farmers in Banjarsari Village overcome agricultural challenges. One of the main problems faced by farmers is irrigation. Although there is a river that could serve as a water source, its position is lower than the farmland, making it difficult to channel water directly.
So far, farmers have relied on diesel pumps to lift water from the river to their rice fields. Unfortunately, this brings new difficulties because fuel is often scarce and expensive on Enggano Island. Seeing these conditions, and recognizing the abundant solar energy potential in Enggano, the UNIB team introduced an innovative solution: a solar-powered water pump system. This technology is designed to help farmers access water more easily, sustainably, and at lower cost, so they can continue farming productively and support food security in their village.
To realize the “Solar Panel Pump-Based Irrigation System,” a cross-faculty team from the University of Bengkulu worked together, combining expertise from various study programs. The team consisted of Dr. Elfi Yuliza (Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences), Dr. Sipriyadi (Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences), Novalio Daratha (Faculty of Engineering), Dr. Yazid Ismi Intara (Faculty of Agriculture), Siska Yosmar, M.Sc. (Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences), and Irkhos, M.Sc. (Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences), supported by students from multiple faculties.
This solar-powered pump system was successfully developed with funding support from PNBP UNIB through the research-based community service program of LPPM UNIB in 2025. The Head of Banjarsari Village expressed his deep gratitude, noting that the system not only helps ensure water availability for farmers but also serves as a real example of how local potential can be utilized to solve local problems. For the UNIB Community Service Team, it is hoped that this innovation will inspire the wider community, be well-maintained, and continue to benefit the people of Banjarsari for years to come.
