A research team from the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) at Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University (Untirta) has just tested an Internet of Things (IoT)-based system to optimize the management of the Temporary Disposal Site (TPS) in Gunung Sulah Village, Bandar Lampung. This research project is fully supported by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology as part of its commitment to developing digital-based environmental solutions.
This advanced system is designed to provide real-time and accurate environmental condition data. Through sensor devices, TPS managers and residents can monitor various vital parameters, ranging from the type of waste piles, concentrations of hazardous gases, to temperature and humidity fluctuations around the disposal site. This transparent information serves as a crucial reference in determining timely waste transport schedules, allowing environmental pollution risks to be mitigated early on.
The head of the research team, Enggar Utari, emphasized that the success of this technology relies not only on hardware but also on strengthening community environmental awareness. This innovation combines social mapping with technological sophistication to ensure active community participation in maintaining the sustainability of environmental cleanliness in their respective areas.
The involvement of community elements, such as neighborhood association (RT/RW) heads and Family Welfare Movement (PKK) cadres in the testing process, shows that this system was built based on real needs in the field. In addition, the involvement of students from the Vocational Electrical Engineering Education and Biology Education Study Programs serves as a platform for practical research learning in addressing urban waste management challenges.
Positive appreciation came from a local waste management community activist, Taufik Rinaldi. According to him, the data provided by the IoT system greatly helps operational efficiency at the TPS. The research team hopes this model can be replicated in various other regions through strategic synergy between local governments, academia, the private sector, and the wider community.
