The interior of the People’s Health Ship from IKA ITS with the various health facilities needed

Campus ITS, ITS News – The Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) contribution to the community is channeled through the ITS Alumni Association (IKA ITS). Carrying the People’s Health Ship, IKA ITS creates an environmentally friendly ship to support public health facilities in remote areas.

Chief Executive of the People’s Health Vessel project, Ir Hari Supriyadi, revealed that the ship is helpful as a provider of public health facilities around rivers in remote areas of Indonesia. The innovation began when he and his team visited several riverbank areas. “People in the Musi river route have difficulty reaching the Puskesmas because they are obstructed by access to transportation,” said Hari quoting one of the cases resulting from his visit.

Departing from this, the General Chairperson of PP IKA ITS Ir Sutopo Kristanto MM, together with Ir Toeloes Boedi Witjaksono and Hari, formed a team to work on the People’s Health Vessel project. This ITS Civil Engineering Department alumnus admitted that the work began on December 5, 2022, and on January 5, 2023. “We also synergize with ITS lecturers in terms of calculations, discussion of the latest technologies, and other aspects of the work,” he explained.

Hari added that the People’s Health Vessel is planned to be mass-produced and operate in rivers on the islands of Kalimantan or Sumatra. In addition, a show unit was held by inviting the Indonesian Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR), Dr Ir M Basuki Hadimuljono MSc. “This activity is to present to the government that ship innovations can be developed for the community,” he added.

One of the staff of the People’s Health Vessel project, Anindra Ahmad Farras ST, explained that this ship was specifically designed to be able to go along the river to remote areas. Three trimaran hulls help maintain the balance of the boat during sailing. “Ship on the river must have a low draft to sail in shallow waters,” he explained.

In addition, this alumnus of the ITS Marine Engineering Department also said that the ship is composed of metal material coated with High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). The material can be recycled and can minimize corrosion. “HDPE materials tend to be more environmentally friendly and do not require high maintenance,” said the man who is familiarly called Farras.

Apart from the material aspect, he continued, the People’s Health Vessel is also environmentally friendly regarding energy use. With a hybrid energy concept, this ship uses two types of energy in the form of petroleum to drive the ship’s engines and solar panels for cabin activities. Totaling 12 panels, solar-powered electric power can support ship lighting, medical equipment, and crew navigation.

With a 300-horsepower (HP) engine capacity, this ship provides several health facilities. They are starting from two patient rooms, doctor and nurse tables, diagnostic equipment, to equipment for minor surgeries. “The existence of this ship can improve the quality of local Puskesmas services in terms of medical service facilities, medicines, and experts,” said Farras.

He hopes that this People’s Health Ship can prove that Indonesia can create an innovative product that benefits people’s lives. Besides that, he also hopes that this can further motivate ITS students to continue to innovate. “Hopefully, it will inspire young engineers to innovate,” he concluded. (ITS Public Relation)

Reporter: Aghnia Tias Salsabila