Unismuh Makassar Water Engineering Students Implement Biopore Technology in Thai Schools.

TEKNIK.UNISMUH.AC.ID, MAKASSAR — Students from the Department of Water Resources, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar, conducted a Professional Work Program (KKP) by implementing biopore technology in the Al-Ameen Dormitory, Darul U-loom School, Satun, Thailand, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. This activity was part of the effort to apply students' knowledge directly in the field, as well as providing a real contribution to environmental management through simple and sustainable technical solutions.

The program was based on observations of the drainage system in the dormitory area, which showed the potential for water accumulation during heavy rainfall. Based on this finding, students designed a technical intervention in the form of creating biopores as a method to improve soil permeability to reduce surface water runoff and minimize the risk of flooding. This approach was chosen because it was considered effective, economical, and easy to implement on a school-level scale.

The activity began with the determination of strategic locations through soil condition analysis, area safety, and long-term permeability effectiveness. Subsequently, students drilled holes approximately 50-80 cm deep, installed perforated PVC pipes on the sides to accelerate the infiltration process, and then filled the holes with organic materials as a medium to enhance soil microbial activity and improve soil structure.

In addition to the technical implementation, the activity also included an educational session for 10th and 11th-grade students living in the dormitory regarding the principles of biopore operation, its benefits for rainwater management, and the importance of early environmental awareness. This education aimed to instill an understanding that environmental engineering solutions do not always have to be complex, but can start with simple and sustainable technology.

Through this program, students from the Department of Water Resources, FT Unismuh Makassar, not only honed their international professional competence but also strengthened the implementation of the three pillars of higher education, particularly service to the community. This activity is expected to be an example of good academic collaboration across countries in presenting technical solutions that have a direct impact on the educational environment.