UNAIR NEWS – As a world-class university, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) continues its commitment to support the creation of a prosperous society. Realizing the construction of a borewell to overcome the drought is one form of this commitment. The inauguration of the borewell and the implementation of the AMERTA program (Action for Free Water and Plants for Nature) took place on Sunday (May, 19 2024) in Tenggarejo Village, Tulungagung.

For the record, Tenggarejo Village is one of the areas in Tulungagung often hit by drought. When a long drought occurs, people in this area will suffer losses, especially in the health and economic sectors. It inspired the construction of this borewell.

Realization of dedication

UNAIR Vice Rector for Internationalization, Digitalization and Information Prof Muhammad Miftahussurur dr MKes SpPD KGEH PhD FINASIM responded positively to the construction of the well. He believes, Tenggarejo borehole well is a form of dedication and a positive collaborative action.

The initative was from Internal Medicine IKA (IPD) UNAIR and IKA UNAIR Tulungagung Branch, PAPDI Surabaya Branch, IKA IPDI UNAIR, and some other organizations. “I think this was a positive thing, where collaboration starts from the university as the initiators. Then followed by the alumni association in collaboration with the local government,” he said.

Prof. Miftah continued, the construction of this borewell is a manifestation of UNAIR in carrying out the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. One of them is community service. “We must start developing things, not only theoretically through education. We must also empower the surrounding community directly,” he conveyed.

Supporting SDGs

This construction also a form of UNAIR’s commitment in supporting the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “In the momentum of SDGs promoted by the government, it also realizes SDG 1, 2, 3, 6, 13, and 17. In fact, these SDGs points are also the goals of the achievement of this borewell,” he stated.

This construction, continued Prof. Miftah, proves that UNAIR supports the achievement of SDG 6 “Clean water and sanitation” by improving sanitation. Moreover, several SDGs are also supported by the inauguration of the borewell, followed by other programs such as low-cost market and tree planting to achieve SDG 1 “No Poverty”, SDG 2 “Zero Hunger” and SDG 13 “Climate Action”.

“Not only Water sanitation and Zero hunger. It will also affect Good health and well-being. Then, because this is a collaboration with many partners, it is also a proof that UNAIR supports to achieve SDG point 17, which is Partnership for the goals,” he added.

In the end, Prof. Miftah said the construction of this borewell could be a medium for strengthening ties between UNAIR and the community. He hoped that this well could be a form of real service that UNAIR could give to the people of Tulungagung Regency.

“We hope this borewell can be the beginning for universities to provide innovations and solutions for the community around UNAIR. The goal is to move forward together and achieve sustainable prosperity and welfare,” he concluded.

Author: Yulia Rohmawati