Balikpapan — The spirit of Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) students in delivering real solutions to the community was once again demonstrated through a Social Innovation project carried out at Abas Farm KM 12, Jalan Soekarno Hatta Km 12, Karang Joang, Balikpapan. The activity was led by Arya Anointheo Palinggi’, a Civil Engineering student from the class of 2023, under the supervision of Ir. Raftonado Situmorang, S.T., M.T.

Through this activity, the team implemented two main work programs designed to address needs in the field, namely the installation of biopore infiltration holes and the installation of a solar panel system to support hydroponic farming operations. Both programs represent a concrete contribution by students in integrating classroom learning with direct community engagement.

The first work program involved the installation of biopore infiltration holes approximately 1 meter deep into the ground. This effort was intended to help reduce excess moisture and minimize standing water in the surrounding water flow area. The presence of biopores is expected to improve the soil’s infiltration capacity, making the environment more manageable and supporting the sustainability of the agricultural area at Abas Farm.

Meanwhile, the second work program focused on the installation of a solar panel system as an alternative energy source to support hydroponic farming activities. The system was installed using a 400 Wp photovoltaic panel and a 12V 80Ah VRLA battery. With this capacity, the system is able to operate the hydroponic farm pump for approximately 12 to 13 hours when the battery is fully charged. The use of solar energy not only helps improve operational efficiency, but also represents a small step toward the adoption of more environmentally friendly energy solutions.

This activity was part of the completion of the Social Innovation course, while also serving as an implementation of one of the core pillars of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, namely community service. Through this approach, students are not only expected to understand theory, but also to translate it into concrete solutions that are beneficial to the surrounding community.

For Arya, this experience was both memorable and challenging. He shared that he felt excited because he was directly involved in the design and installation of the solar panel system, starting from assembling the panel and panel housing to carrying out the installation, even without assistance from professional technicians.

“It felt exciting and challenging because it was my first time assembling the panel, the panel housing, and the installation without a technician. Thank God, everything went smoothly and the system worked properly,” Arya said.

More than just an academic assignment, this activity shows that student innovation can create a direct impact on both the community and the environment. The biopore installation helps improve land and water management, while the solar panel system provides sustainable energy support for hydroponic farm operations. Together, they serve as an example of how students can bring simple yet meaningful solutions to real-world challenges.

Through initiatives like this, ITK continues to encourage the growth of students who are not only academically capable, but also responsive to challenges in the field and able to deliver impactful innovation. Social Innovation is not merely a learning space, but also a platform to cultivate empathy, creativity, and courage among students in contributing to society.