In Mahakam Ulu Regency, rivers are more than just natural landscapes—they are the primary routes that connect communities and sustain daily life. However, when medical emergencies occur, these same rivers can become obstacles that delay access to lifesaving assistance. It is from this challenge that an innovative idea emerged: the design of a water ambulance specifically developed to reach remote inland areas quickly, safely, and efficiently.

Mahakam Ulu is one of the regions in East Kalimantan with a unique geographical character. The area is dominated by tropical rainforests and an extensive river network. Approximately 245 river routes are distributed across its districts, serving as the main transportation system for local residents. Despite this heavy reliance on river transportation, healthcare infrastructure and medical transport services remain limited. As a result, delays in treating patients during emergency situations are common, increasing the risk of complications and even death.

These accessibility challenges highlight the importance of developing river-based medical transportation. To date, Mahakam Ulu does not yet have a dedicated water ambulance fleet specifically designed to support emergency medical services. Given the characteristics of the region’s waterways, there is a pressing need for transportation that can operate effectively under varying river conditions, including differences in depth, width, and navigational challenges.

In response to this need, a preliminary water ambulance design was developed and tailored to the water conditions of Mahakam Ulu. The design considers not only the vessel’s technical specifications but also prioritizes patient safety, medical staff comfort, and operational efficiency. The introduction of a water ambulance is expected to provide a strategic solution for accelerating patient evacuation and referral processes to appropriate healthcare facilities.

The impact of this innovation could be transformative for communities living in remote areas. With a medical transport system specifically designed for river routes, travel time to healthcare centers can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, patients can receive better-quality care during transportation. Ultimately, delays caused by transportation barriers can be minimized, improving patient survival rates and contributing to more equitable access to healthcare services.

Notably, this research has produced a vessel design considered ideal for the waterways of Mahakam Ulu through field observations and the application of the Parent Ship Design Approach (PSDA). The resulting design features a vessel length of 10.5 meters and a draft of 0.65 meters, enabling agile navigation through river channels. The water ambulance is designed to reach speeds of up to 20 knots and accommodate up to 10 people, including crew members, medical personnel, and emergency patients.

More than just a transportation design, the water ambulance represents innovation aimed at overcoming the geographical challenges long faced by remote communities. Rivers that once hindered access to healthcare now have the potential to become pathways of hope, enabling faster delivery of emergency medical assistance.

With the realization of this water ambulance design, the goal of achieving equitable healthcare access in Mahakam Ulu becomes increasingly attainable. Wherever people live—including in remote areas accessible only by river—every life deserves the same opportunity to receive timely and appropriate medical care.