In the aftermath of the flash floods that struck Kabupaten Agam, Sumatera Barat, in November 2025, residents faced significant difficulties in accessing clean water. Responding to this emergency situation, the Alumni Association (ILUNI) Team of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), under the coordination of Dr. Retno Lestari, a lecturer from the Department of Biology, directly inspected community water sources and constructed dug wells to ensure that residents continued to have access to safe water.
“The water quality inspection is essential to map the health risks faced by the community. Our findings can serve as the basis for appropriate interventions to ensure that the water consumed is safe,” said Dr. Retno.
Inspection Results: The Majority of Water Sources Are Not Yet Safe for Consumption
Over five days, from 7–11 February 2026, the team examined 20 water source points in Kecamatan Maninjau, Matur, and Kecamatan Palembayan. The results showed that more than 60% of the water points were contaminated with Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, while all samples contained total coliforms. According to the Ministry of Health standards, water suitable for consumption must be free of E. coli per 100 ml of water. Therefore, most water sources in these areas remain a potential health risk.
The Head of the Agam Regency Health Office, dr. Hendri Rusdian, stated that his office welcomed the initiative of the FMIPA team from ILUNI UI in assisting with water quality inspections and expressed hope that the data collected would serve as a foundation for improving public health services in the region.
“We, the Agam Health Office, warmly welcome the arrival of the FMIPA team from ILUNI UI who have assisted in conducting clean water inspections. We hope that this data can serve as a basis for improving the quality of public health in Agam,” said dr. Hendri.
Education and Clean Water Infrastructure for the Community
In addition to conducting tests, the team also raised awareness about the importance of safe water management through the distribution of brochures. The educational materials covered the characteristics of potable water, the risks of diseases caused by contaminated water, and recommendations to boil water before drinking.
As a follow-up measure, FMIPA UI together with ILUNI UI constructed two dug wells in areas still facing limited access to clean water, including in Nagari Salareh Aia, Kecamatan Palembayan.
The local Jorong Head, Mr. Gusrinaldi, explained that the presence of the new wells and the educational program has made it easier for residents to access clean water and has given them greater confidence in using it for their daily needs.
“Previously, we lacked access to clean water sources. Now, with the assistance of the new wells provided by the ILUNI FMIPA UI Team, our need for clean water sources has been fulfilled,” he said.
He added, “The inspection of water sources and clean water education like this also make us feel safe when using it in our daily lives.”
Alumni–Faculty Synergy for Sustainable Solutions
This program is part of ILUNI UI’s assistance in collaboration with the Solidarity Movement “100 Musicians Heal Sumatra,” and is supported by various parties, including the Special Envoy of the President for Youth Development and Arts Workers, the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), RANS, Visi, TSpace Media, WAG Artis Swara, with TRING Pegadaian as the main sponsor.
The efforts of the ILUNI FMIPA UI Team through water quality inspections, education, and the construction of dug wells demonstrate that meaningful collaboration can improve access to clean water while also preventing disease risks. This initiative serves as an important example of how synergy between alumni, the faculty, and the community can deliver sustainable solutions for the well-being of residents in Kabupaten Agam.
