ULM’s Impactful Village Development Program: IoT Sensors a Flood Mitigation Solution in Cempaka, Banjarbaru
Banjarbaru – Students from Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) are implementing an Impactful Village Development Program titled “Flash Flood Mitigation through the Implementation of IoT-Based Water Level Sensors for an Early Warning System” in Cempaka Village, Banjarbaru City.
This program is run by 15 students from across faculties: the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK), under the guidance of Field Supervisor M. Ikhwan Najmi, S.Pd., M.Si.
The group leader, Muhammad William Sabili, explained that this program aims to help communities anticipate flash floods by developing an Internet of Things (IoT)-based water level detector.
“We designed a flood detector using a WSN proximity sensor and a water level sensor. With this system, residents can detect increases in water discharge more quickly and take anticipatory measures,” he said.
In addition to developing the equipment, students also conducted disaster education sessions with residents, including the heads of the local neighborhood associations (RT) and neighborhood associations (RW). The education sessions involved pre- and post-tests to gauge community understanding of flood mitigation. As a result, residents demonstrated increased understanding and high enthusiasm for the program.
The team also held community service activities with residents in Sungai Kertak Baru, Cempaka, and donated trash bins from the MBKM program funds as a form of support for environmental management.
This program was designed based on the Cempaka area’s vulnerability to flash floods. Students identified problems with residents before formulating technology-based and educational solutions.
Through this program, students not only applied their knowledge of sensor technology, program management, and public health education, but also honed their communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in the field.
ULM is committed to maintaining the sustainability of the program through integration into the MBKM and community service schemes, as well as encouraging the development of research-based innovations that can have a real impact on the community.
The Impactful Village Development Program from Lambung Mangkurat University is designed as a concrete manifestation of contextual learning where students are present as solution partners for the community, while simultaneously strengthening the role of higher education in technology-based disaster mitigation and social collaboration.
