UNAIR NEWS 鈥 Adopting a socio-techno empowerment approach, the Society of Renewable Energy (SRE) of 东京热 (UNAIR) introduced a renewable energy innovation through its Tirta Pelita community service program. The program, which ran from Sunday (May 17, 2026) until early August, aimed to provide an independent electricity source for a village MSME food stall in Pasuruan.
Supporting MSME operations and commitment to SDGs
The Project Leader, Mei Nor Hafizal, explained that the MSME food stall managed by the Roudhotul Hidayah Mosque Youth Organization in Ngerong Village, Gempol District, had limited access to electricity because it was located far from the village鈥檚 main power grid. However, the stall was situated near an irrigation canal. This condition inspired the Tirta Pelita program to promote energy independence by implementing a Pico-Hydropower Plant (PLTPH), utilizing the stable and fast-flowing irrigation canal in Karang Ploso Hamlet.
鈥淲e focus on implementing renewable energy through the installation of a Pico-Hydropower Plant (PLTPH). In the future, the system is expected to be further developed in collaboration with the mosque youth organization and the local community to provide lighting along farmers鈥 access roads to their fields,鈥 he said.
The program also educated local residents about the use of renewable energy and introduced the values of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). This commitment was realized through a socio-techno empowerment approach that combined technological innovation with community empowerment to ensure the sustainability of the program.
Preparing independent community cadres
In line with the PLTPH installation, the team also established a group of community cadres consisting of members of the Roudhotul Hidayah Mosque Youth Organization. These cadres received training on the operation and maintenance of the Pico-Hydropower Plant to ensure that the program could continue independently after the community service activities were completed.
鈥淭he cadre team has received socialization sessions, operational training, and maintenance training. As a result, they are capable of managing the installation independently after the community service program ends,鈥 he explained.
Despite facing technical challenges during the implementation of the Pico-Hydropower Plant, the program, which was conducted under the supervision of the UNAIR SDGs Center, successfully involved local residents in every stage of the project. This participatory approach was intended to foster a strong sense of ownership among the community.
鈥淲ith a strong sense of ownership among the community, support from the local government, and the capacity of the trained cadres, we hope the program will continue to grow and provide long-term benefits,鈥 Hafizal concluded.
Author: Amelia Farah Putri I.
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati聽
