May 5–6, 2025 — The irrigation modernization team from the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (DTPB), Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted a benchmarking visit to the Manganti Irrigation Area (DI Manganti). This activity aimed to gain in-depth insights into the implementation of digital-based irrigation modernization carried out in the region. The benchmarking was attended by two lecturers: Dr. Murtiningrum, S.T.P., M.Eng., and Dr. Andri Prima Nugroho, S.T.P., M.Sc.
During the visit, the team explored various technical aspects of the modernization process, such as the use of hardware and software, the integration of digital systems for monitoring and controlling water gates, as well as the farmers’ adaptation to the implemented digital transformation. The Manganti Irrigation Area is one of the pilot regions for irrigation modernization, managed by the Citanduy River Basin Agency (BBWS Citanduy), covering a total area of 26,153 hectares. It serves agricultural lands in Cilacap Regency (Central Java), as well as Ciamis and Pangandaran Regencies (West Java). The irrigation system in DI Manganti consists of three main subsystems: Sidareja, Cihaur, and Southern Lakbok.
Modernization efforts in the Manganti area began with the rehabilitation of physical infrastructure, followed by the implementation of digital technology. The installation of Internet of Things (IoT)-based devices, flow sensors, and automated gate control systems allows for more accurate, responsive, and efficient water distribution. All operational data can be monitored in real-time via a centralized system, supported by CCTV installations at strategic points to ensure transparency and accuracy in management. This benchmarking activity served as a valuable moment to strengthen the synergy between academia and water resource management institutions. The findings and best practices from DI Manganti are expected to serve as strategic references for promoting modern irrigation development in other regions, particularly those facing challenges in water security and unequal water distribution.
Through this activity, it is anticipated that the understanding of digitalization and irrigation modernization will continue to grow and be more widely adopted in water resource management across various regions. This benchmarking also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, by supporting increased agricultural productivity through adaptive and sustainable irrigation systems, and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, by implementing digital infrastructure to support data-driven agriculture systems.
Contributor: Murtiningrum
