Jakarta, INTI - Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ) is promoting sustainable agricultural practices through the implementation of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart irrigation system powered by solar energy at SMK Negeri 1 Ciasem in Subang, West Java.
The initiative, titled “Smart Irrigation for SMK: Implementing an IoT-Based Smart Irrigation System as a Learning Platform and Teaching Factory for Sustainable Agriculture,” was carried out as part of the university’s Community Service Program on August 20, 2026.
Project leader Mohammad Rachman Waluyo said the technology is designed not only to improve irrigation efficiency but also to provide students with hands-on experience in applying agricultural technology.
“Through the Smart Irrigation System program, we aim to introduce technology that makes irrigation management more measurable while providing students with a practical learning environment. Instead of learning about the Internet of Things and renewable energy solely through theory, students can directly participate in operating and maintaining the technology,” he said.
Conventional Irrigation Required 10 Hours and 10 Liters of Diesel
Before the smart irrigation system was introduced, the Teaching Factory farmland at SMK Negeri 1 Ciasem relied on conventional irrigation using diesel-powered pumps and flood irrigation.
Irrigating the one-hectare agricultural plot could take up to 10 hours per watering cycle.
The diesel pump also consumed approximately 10 liters of fuel for each irrigation cycle.
Limited water monitoring created the risk of both overwatering and underwatering, highlighting the need for a system capable of adjusting irrigation according to soil moisture conditions.
UPNVJ responded by introducing a Smart Irrigation System integrating soil and environmental moisture sensors, an ESP32 microcontroller, relays, water pumps, solenoid valves, piping infrastructure, and a solar power generation system.
The system monitors environmental conditions through sensors, with the collected data processed by the ESP32 to determine irrigation requirements.
The water pump and solenoid valves can be activated based on soil moisture levels, while system data can be monitored through a dashboard that also serves as a learning tool for students.
Solar Power Supports Modern Agricultural Education
An off-grid solar power system supplies energy for the irrigation equipment.
“The technology combines automation and sensor-based systems while also introducing the use of renewable energy in agricultural activities,” Rachman said.
The system enables students to explore the connection between internet technologies, automation, water management, and solar energy through hands-on practice.
Funded through the 2026 BIMA program of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek), the initiative is also designed to strengthen practice-based vocational education through the development of a Teaching Factory.
“We hope the Smart Irrigation System can continue to be integrated into the Teaching Factory. This will allow students to gain practical experience that is relevant to industry needs, particularly as smart farming and technology-driven agriculture continue to evolve,” Rachman said.
The system is also equipped with learning modules and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to guide teachers and students in operating, maintaining, and performing initial troubleshooting of the equipment.
The program will continue through regular assistance and monitoring of the sensors, ESP32 controller, pumps, valves, piping network, solar power system, and dashboard to ensure the technology remains functional and can be utilized sustainably.
Conclusion
UPNVJ’s smart irrigation initiative demonstrates how IoT and solar power can support more efficient, sustainable agriculture while providing students with hands-on experience in modern farming technologies.
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