USM Supports USK Initiative as a Strategic Partner in Post-Disaster Community Clean Water Filtration Project in Aceh, Indonesia

Aceh, 25 April 2026 – The Geophysics Group, School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continues to strengthen its role as an international strategic partner through its involvement in the installation and handover of a clean water treatment system to the community of Gampong Dayah Leubeu, Ulim District, Pidie Jaya Regency, Aceh on 25 April 2026.

The project is led by Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), Banda Aceh, as the main implementing institution under the International Collaboration Program on Solar-Powered Clean Water Treatment Systems. This initiative was undertaken in response to post-disaster conditions following flooding caused by Cyclone Senyar in November 2025, which significantly disrupted and contaminated the primary sources of clean water for the local community.

This international collaborative effort is headed by Prof. Dr. Ir. Zahrul Fuadi as Project Leader, with team members Prof. Dr. Ir. Nasaruddin, Prof. Dr. Ir. Muhammad Syukri, and Dr. Sofia. The project also involves an international partner from USM, Dr. Syarawi Mohd Husni Mohd Sharoni, as part of cross-border academic collaboration.

The system developed jointly by USK and USM is designed to convert previously unsafe water sources into clean water suitable for daily use. The facility is expected to directly benefit approximately 240 households, serving up to 900 individuals in the area.

As a strategic partner, the Geophysics Group, School of Physics, USM supports the project through academic expertise as well as a financial contribution of 5 million rupiah to cover maintenance costs of the water filtration system. This contribution aims to ensure the sustainability and continued operation of the system for long-term community benefit.

Through this collaboration, USM reaffirms its commitment to supporting high-impact initiatives led by regional strategic partners, while applying scientific expertise to improve community well-being. The renewable energy-based approach adopted in this project also aligns with sustainable development goals, particularly in ensuring safe and continuous access to clean water.

Moving forward, the strong collaboration between USM and USK is expected to be further strengthened through more impactful joint initiatives, thereby expanding academic and research networks at the international level.