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Looking to modernise water management, Hanif Fakhrurroja, an Associate Expert Researcher at BRIN’s Centre for Intelligent Mechatronics Research has developed a revolutionary prepaid water metre system using STS tokens and IoT. This project was developed in collaboration with a research team from a private telecommunications university.
This product was developed with private entities to reduce non-revenue water from manual metre reading, Hanif explained. The smart water metre leverages IoT, integrating technologies from Telkom Indonesia for real-time monitoring with significantly higher accuracy than conventional methods.
The IoT-based smart water meter allows for precise measurement and management of water usage, addressing the inefficiencies and inaccuracies of manual readings. It ensures accurate billing and provides valuable data on consumption patterns, which can be analysed to identify leaks, optimise distribution, and improve conservation.
This system is an advancement from the 2022 Kedaireka Matching Fund Programme’s “Automated Water Metre Reading Based on the Internet of Things.” Ongoing research is envisioned to progress in 2024, with proof-of-concept trials by the Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM), paving the way for immediate implementation. The Kedaireka Matching Fund Programme is a funding programme initiated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) to support universities in developing innovative solutions through collaborations with industries.
Hanif highlighted a significant challenge: “The lack of domestic production, particularly concerning the Domestic Component Level (TKDN) in token-based prepaid water metre products, poses a substantial hurdle in research and innovation.” This challenge underscores the need for increased investment in local manufacturing capabilities to support the widespread adoption of advanced technologies in Indonesia.
The success of this project could catalyse other technological advancements in the water management sector, encouraging further research and development in IoT applications. The implementation of smart water meters could set a precedent for other utilities, promoting a broader shift towards digital transformation in public services.
Digital transformation is becoming a critical requirement for PDAM public services, aiming to streamline payment systems through prepaid tokens and enhance the efficiency of PDAM business processes. The smart water metre system represents a significant step towards achieving these goals. By automating metre readings and integrating IoT technology, PDAM can reduce operational costs, improve service delivery, and enhance customer satisfaction.
Moreover, the use of prepaid tokens simplifies the payment process for consumers, offering greater convenience and flexibility. This system enables consumers to manage their water usage more effectively, preventing unexpectedly high bills and promoting responsible consumption. For PDAM, the prepaid system ensures a steady cash flow and reduces the risk of non-payment, thereby improving financial stability.
Indonesia’s largest water metre manufacturer in Cinambo, Bandung, has identified five trial locations for this year. “The token system simplifies water management in state-owned company employee housing, reducing waste,” Hanif elaborated. This initiative highlights the practical applications of smart water metre technology in various settings, providing valuable insights for scaling up.
For the STS token-based prepaid smart water metre PoC, Hanif is collaborating with a private telecommunications company’s Faculty of Economics and Business to assess investment feasibility. “They will evaluate the investment to assist PDAM in planning the procurement of these prepaid water metres,” concluded Hanif. This collaboration ensures the project’s economic aspects are thoroughly evaluated, laying a solid foundation for future investment and expansion.
The successful implementation of IoT-based smart water meters06 represents a significant milestone in Indonesia’s journey towards digital transformation. This project not only addresses the immediate challenges of water management but also aligns with broader goals of sustainability and efficiency in public services. As the project moves towards implementation, it promises to deliver substantial benefits for both consumers and service providers, setting a new standard for efficiency and sustainability in water management.
