STEI ITB Implements 3 kWh Solar Power Plant to Support Post-Flash Flood Recovery in West Sumatra
Bandung, stei.itb.ac.id – Efforts to restore areas affected by flash floods in West Sumatra continue through the use of interdisciplinary knowledge and the application of technology tailored to local needs. One concrete step is the installation of a 3 kWh Solar Power Plant (PLTS) in the Batu Busuak area, Pauh District, Padang City, which will be implemented by the end of December 2025.
This initiative is part of the program Rapid Flood Disaster Management and Recovery in West Sumatra Using a Multidisciplinary Approach and the Application of Appropriate Technology which received funding support from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia. The community service activities took place from December 27–31, 2025, with Padang City as the center of activity, and were implemented in collaboration with Andalas University.
The Batu Busuak area was designated a priority location due to the significant impact of the flood, which caused infrastructure damage and power outages. In this post-disaster situation, the availability of independent and sustainable alternative energy sources is crucial to supporting the community's basic needs.
The installed 3 kWh solar power system provides electricity for various essential needs in the temporary housing, such as lighting, operating water pumps, charging communication devices, and supporting emergency response activities. In addition to contributing to emissions reductions, this technology is considered practical due to its relatively simple installation and maintenance, making it suitable for use in disaster-affected areas.
The implementation of this program involves various parties outside of higher education as a form of strengthening cross-sector collaboration. A number of participating partners include the Indonesian Bee Association, Minangkabau Nature School, Rangkiang Ilmu Learning House, Vistalab Mediakreasi Studio, Children's Book Illustrator Community (KIBA ITB), ITB Press, Salman Charity House, ITB Alumni Association, Pelita Aksara Foundation & Posko Satu Rasa, and Bundo Kanduang. This synergy not only focuses on infrastructure recovery, but also encourages community empowerment and strengthening the socio-economic resilience of affected residents.
Dr. Bryan Denov, ST, MT, an electricity expert from the Bandung Institute of Technology, stated that the installed solar power system was designed as a quick solution with a long-term focus. He believes that utilizing technology in emergency situations must provide tangible benefits while building community energy independence.
This program also involves lecturers from the School of Electrical Engineering and Informatics (STEI) ITB, namely Prof. Syarif Hidayat, Dr.Eng. Ir. Infall Syafalni, ST, M.Sc. and Dr. Lenny Putri Yulianti, ST, MT, as well as STEI ITB students consisting of Habibie Muhammad Ghifari, Muhammad Luthfi Alghazali, Gregorius Yoga Robianto, Taqidito Ilham Pratama, Rafie Naufal Halimi, and Rufina Nafisah Darwis.
With the operation of the 3 kWh solar power plant in Batu Busuak, it is hoped that the community will be able to resume daily activities more safely and independently. This program also exemplifies the strategic role of renewable energy in supporting emergency response and post-disaster recovery, particularly in areas with high disaster risk levels like West Sumatra.
