The Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), marked its 78th Anniversary with a step beyond academic ceremony. This year, FKG UGM launched a rainwater harvesting system processed into potable drinking water—an innovation integrating health sciences, environmental technology, and campus sustainability commitment.
The inauguration took place during the anniversary opening ceremony, attended by UGM Vice Rector for Planning, Assets & Information Systems Arief Setiawan Budi Nugroho, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D.; Dean of FKG UGM Prof. drg. Suryono, S.H., M.M., Ph.D.; Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources drg. Margareta Rinastiti, M.Kes., Sp.KG., Subsp.KR(K)., Ph.D.; members of the academic community; industry partners; and representatives from UGM’s health cluster faculties. In his remarks, the Dean emphasized that 78 years is not merely a historical milestone, but a moment of reflection on the faculty’s role in addressing future challenges, particularly environmental crises and water resource efficiency.
From Waste Management to Rainwater Harvesting
FKG UGM has long been recognized for its consistent waste management practices based on sorting and recycling. Inorganic waste such as plastic bottles and paper is not only separated but also utilized for donation programs and sustainable management initiatives.
This year, the approach expanded to rainwater management. Collected rainwater undergoes multiple technological processes: filtration, sedimentation, ultraviolet (UV) sterilization, and reverse osmosis (RO). The result is highly purified water safe for consumption and potentially suitable for clinical dental use.
“This innovation is not simply about collecting rain and drinking it. There are rigorous scientific stages to ensure the water is truly sterile and safe,” explained the Dean.
"The existence of this rainwater empowerment innovation, as a sign of commitment to innovation and sustainability, today we also strengthen it with the agenda of the Inauguration of RO (Reverse Osmosis) Drinking Water from rainwater from FKG UGM, as a real step to present a healthier, more adaptive, and environmentally friendly campus," said the Chair of the 78th FKG UGM Anniversary Committee, Dr, drg. Bramasto Purbo Sejati, Sp.B.M.M., Subsp. T.M.T.M.J.(K), in his remarks.
Medical Relevance: Pure Water for Dental Practice
Unlike general environmental programs, FKG UGM’s rainwater harvesting system is designed with medical orientation. RO-treated water has extremely low electrical conductivity due to the absence of dissolved particles. This condition is ideal for dental instruments such as burs and ultrasonic scalers, potentially reducing patient sensitivity and enhancing clinical comfort.
The faculty plans to utilize water storage towers around the mosque area, Dental Learning Center, and OECF building as part of an integrated rainwater harvesting system.
Carbon Footprint and Environmental Introspection Culture
In addition to water innovation, the 78th Anniversary also marks the beginning of carbon footprint measurement within FKG UGM. Through this indicator, various activities of the academic community—ranging from vehicle use and electricity consumption to smoking habits—will be mapped based on their environmental impact.
This approach aims to build a culture of collective introspection. The faculty hopes environmental awareness will move beyond slogans and manifest in daily behavioral changes.
University Appreciation and Replication Potential KE FAKULTAS LAIN
University leadership present at the event described FKG UGM as a concrete example of environmental innovation emerging from a health faculty, not solely from engineering or pure sciences. The rainwater harvesting and carbon footprint initiatives are considered replicable by other faculties at UGM.
“Major events are not always synonymous with scattered waste. What FKG UGM has demonstrated shows that sustainability can become part of academic culture,” stated the Vice Rector.
A Symbol of Change at 78
The celebration concluded with a symbolic act of university and faculty leaders drinking the processed rainwater. The gesture reaffirmed the central message of this year’s anniversary: innovation, scientific courage, and ecological responsibility
At 78 years, FKG UGM not only celebrates its past as one of UGM’s pioneering faculties, but also affirms its future direction—becoming a leading, sustainable dental education institution relevant to global challenges.
Reporter: Andri Wicaksono, Photographer: Fajar Budi Harsakti
