Singaraja– Ganesha University of Education, through the Department of Industrial Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Vocational Studies, is introducing surface water vehicles. This vehicle, which was developed in collaboration with students, can be used to clean up marine debris.

Head of the Industrial Technology Department, Dr. Kadek Rihendra Dantes, S.T., M.T. explained that the manufacture of this vehicle was initiated in 2018 with funding from FTK to boost superior innovation products from study programs. Through this product, the party wants to contribute to coastal communities in handling marine waste which is still a global problem. “This product is to create a vehicle that can be used to lift marine waste. “What we see now is that the sea is still polluted,” he said, Friday (15/1/2021).

This vehicle has been tested at Penimbangan Beach, Buleleng, and is functioning well. This product continues to be refined, especially the body which is aimed at aerodynamics. Apart from that, it is also desirable that it can be developed to identify coral reefs. “We continue to make improvements so that this product is getting better and has various functions,” he explained.

The production of this vehicle received a positive response from the companion of the Indonesian Coral Reef Garden (ICRG) Buleleng, Iwan Setia Budi. He explained that the waste problem is still entangling the sea, especially in the Buleleng Regency area. Procurement of handling equipment is considered very feasible. “In general, the waste problem is still a major issue, even a global issue. Now for Buleleng itself, it’s not too big. “If this tool can be used and can be applied in the field, that would be very good,” he said. He also supports the development of this vehicle, so that later it can be utilized more optimally. “With all kinds of upgrades, eating can have various functions,” he said.

One of the students, who was involved in the work, Dewa Gede Oka Sastrawan, said that this vehicle had been worked on for six months. He admitted that he experienced obstacles in the process. “There are several trials and errors that we experience in product development,” he said.
After the trial, he and his team will make improvements, especially to the control system. “We want the turning system to be better,” he added. It is hoped that the development of this vehicle will receive support from the government and can be produced in greater quantities so that marine waste can be handled more quickly. Apart from this product, the Industrial Technology Department also makes other innovative products, such as electric motors, water suction equipment, solar-powered rice sprayers, and so on. (hms)