SDG #6: ENSURE AVAILABILITY AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF WATER AND SANITATION FOR ALL
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Goal 6 focuses on availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
–United Nations
Universitas Pertamina’s effort in realizing this sustainable goal can be seen through efforts such as free drinking water, wastewater treatment, water conscious building. Below are the activities done throughout the academic period of 2022-2023.
Universitas Pertamina has carefully monitored water consumption per person and recorded an annual water usage of 18,568 m³ for its campus community of 4,561 individuals. This data highlights the university’s commitment to effectively managing and optimizing water resources across its facilities.
–Wastewater treatment plant in Universitas Pertamina–
The Universitas Pertamina area consists of five institutions: Pertamina Learning Center, Pertamina Simprug Residence, Pertamina Foundation, Persatuan Wanita Patra, and Universitas Pertamina. Before the domestic liquid waste from all these institutions is treated at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), it is first collected in holding tanks distributed around the Universitas Pertamina area. This waste includes runoff from septic tanks and domestic wastewater from operational activities such as kitchens, bathrooms, and sinks.
The holding tanks are equipped with partitions that serve as a solid separation system. The solids in the tanks must be regularly monitored to prevent floating or settling, as this could clog the pumping system. Once the waste is collected in the holding tanks, it is automatically pumped to the WWTP. The process flow diagram for domestic wastewater treatment in the Universitas Pertamina area can be seen in Figure 2.
-Wastewater Treatment Plant Process Flow-
To maintain water quality, Universitas Pertamina conducts thorough testing of wastewater at its Wastewater Treatment Plant before discharge. This ensures that the treated water meets regulatory standards, preventing pollution and protecting the surrounding environment.
Universitas Pertamina demonstrates a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation. To achieve SDG 6, specifically indicator 6.3.3, the university provides free drinking water facilities for students, staff, and visitors.
The free drinking water facilities accessible to students and visitors can be found at two strategic locations: on the 1st Floor of the Griya Legita Building and in front of the Rectorate Building.
(a) Free drinking water dispenser in Griya Legita Building;
(b) Free drinking water dispenser in Rectorate Building
Free drinking water access for staff is available in pantries, lecturer’s rooms, and laboratory spaces.
–Drinking water dispenser in pantry–
–Drinking water dispenser in lecturer’s room–
By providing drinking water at various strategic points, including work areas, Universitas Pertamina encourages all campus community members to adopt sustainable and environmentally conscious water consumption patterns in their daily activities. Furthermore, this initiative represents one of Universitas Pertamina concrete steps towards realizing its vision of a sustainable and environmentally responsible campus.
In line with green building standards, Universitas Pertamina incorporates facilities designed to help its community conserve energy and water. These water-efficient systems not only reduce consumption but also promote sustainable resource use, reinforcing the university’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, Universitas Pertamina implements water-efficient planting methods throughout the campus. By selecting drought-tolerant native plants and utilizing efficient drip irrigation systems, the campus reduces water consumption for irrigation without compromising the beauty of the landscape. This initiative not only decreases water usage but also helps maintain the sustainability of the campus ecosystem.
This planting program also aims to raise awareness among the entire campus community about the importance of water conservation amidst the challenges of the global water crisis. By adopting responsible practices in natural resource use, Universitas Pertamina actively plays a role in educating students about the importance of environmental stewardship and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
-Green Softscape of Universitas Pertamina-
The following are types of plants that do not require frequent watering (palm, bamboo, mahogany):
Bamboo
Bougainvillea
Palm Tree
Mahogany Tree
Red Shoot Tree
Mango Tree
Water Apple Tree
Ketapang Tree
Banyan Tree
Himalayan Fig Tree
Banyan Tree
Banyan Tree
Universitas Pertamina has a policy to maximize water reuse across the university, much like a gardener who carefully recycles rainwater to nourish their plants. To support this initiative, the construction of infiltration wells began in 2022 and was completed in 2024. These wells act like sponges, absorbing rainwater and allowing it to seep back into the ground. This not only reduces reliance on groundwater but also helps to keep the water ecosystem in harmony. By managing rainwater effectively, Universitas Pertamina is taking significant steps to prevent flooding.
–Universitas Pertamina infiltration well–
Universitas Pertamina actively supports education on water management by implementing a number of initiatives aimed at involving stakeholders and local communities. One of the main projects is a two-day training program on water management that is taught by lecturers in civil engineering. Government agencies, other academic institutions, and business sectors participate in this program, which offers hands-on training in flood and dam catastrophe programming. The goal is to enhance water management plans in disaster-prone areas by utilizing cutting-edge software.
Furthermore, Universitas Pertamina hosts a community service program called LIGHT UP that involves interactive workshops on water absorption and distribution and rainwater harvesting. Through these initiatives, local people are empowered to properly manage and preserve water by learning how to construct rainwater storage systems and filtering techniques. By these programs, Universitas Pertamina raises environmental consciousness and gives communities the tools they need to manage water resources sustainability.
To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially indicator 6.5.2, namely Promoting Conscious Use of Water, Universitas Pertamina takes concrete steps to invite all campus citizens to use water more wisely. One of the initiatives taken is installing stickers containing an encouraging invitation to take water conservation actions in various strategic locations around campus, especially in toilets and sinks.
–Advisory stickers on toilet sinks-
With this direct appeal, it is expected that the entire campus community will be motivated to prevent unnecessary water waste. This initiative also aims to instill sustainability principles in the daily lives of campus residents, which are hoped to extend beyond the university environment. Through this simple yet meaningful step, Universitas Pertamina demonstrates its commitment to contributing to the achievement of the SDGs. This effort not only impacts water conservation on campus but also plays a role in shaping a generation that is aware of the importance of water conservation for a sustainable future.
Universitas Pertamina’s LIGHT UP program actively promotes off-campus water conservation initiatives. To encourage sustainable water use, the LIGHT UP Rainwater Harvesting project teaches local communities how to build and maintain rainwater collection and filtration systems. Furthermore, the LIGHT UP Water Connection initiative helps communities implement efficient water management strategies by focusing on water absorption and distribution systems. These programs demonstrate the university’s dedication to promoting off-campus water conservation, supporting SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, and supporting larger environmental sustainability projects.
Universitas Pertamina utilizes automatic water pumps to distribute groundwater stored in the university’s groundwater tank. This automated system contributes to energy conservation. The pumps operate efficiently by employing pressure sensors to detect changes in water pressure within the piping system. When water pressure decreases, such as when a faucet is turned on, the sensor signals the pump to activate and pump water into the storage tank. Once the tank is full and pressure returns to normal, the pump automatically shuts off. This mechanism ensures that the pump operates only when necessary, resulting in significant energy savings. Additionally, the use of a storage tank helps prevent water wastage as there is no need to activate the pump each time water is required.
Universitas Pertamina works with local governments to ensure water security. One significant project is a research collaboration between the Department of Forestry and Parks (Distamhut) in Jakarta and Dr. Fatimah Dinan Qonitan, a lecturer in the Environmental Engineering Department. It focuses on the quality of urban river water and offers nature-based ways to improve it. Furthermore, the Ligarmukti Village Government and the University have collaborated on a water spring study called “Water Springs Hydrogeology Socialization: Protecting Water Springs for ther Future of the Village.” At both the municipal and regional levels, these initiatives demonstrate Universitas Pertamina’s dedication to protecting water resources and enhancing water security.
