The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is accelerating water security research by mapping underground river flows in Kebumen Regency, Central Java. This step was taken to follow up on President Prabowo Subianto's directives to anticipate the impacts of climate change and ensure the availability of clean water for the local community.
The current research focus is directed at Goa Barat, a karst area that holds abundant potential for clean water sources. The Head of BRIN, Arif Satria, stated that a deep understanding of the hydrological characteristics of underground rivers is crucial as a foundation for formulating safe and sustainable water management technologies in the future.
Despite having a large flow potential, initial observations detected water quality challenges in the form of high levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. Therefore, BRIN is currently designing a specific purification technology formula so that the water from the underground flow is suitable and hygienic for public consumption.
In addition to exploring Goa Barat on Sunday (2/8/2026), Arif Satria also visited the Karangsambung Science and Technology Area (KST). The earth science research center owned by BRIN is optimized as a strategic discussion space for researchers to align the direction of geological research with national development needs.
This acceleration program in Kebumen is a concrete part of the government's commitment to strengthening national water security. This step reinforces BRIN's previous presentation at the State Palace regarding 13 water management technology innovations ready to be adopted to maintain research-based clean water availability in Indonesia.
