Sukabumi. A team of “impactful” students from Universitas Muhammadiyah Sukabumi (UMMI) officially handed over their Vertiqua technology to residents of the Cikole Subdistrict on Thursday (13 November 2025). The move reflects their strong commitment to supporting local food security as well as strengthening the community’s economy.
Vertiqua: Space-Efficient and Eco-Friendly Farming
Vertiqua is an integrated cultivation system combining aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (soilless plant growing), designed especially for limited urban spaces.
According to Hamdan Agustiawan, head of the student team, this system uses minimal land, conserves water, and is environmentally gentle — making it ideal for household yards or other underutilised spaces in cities.
A Solution for Nutrition and Economy
Beyond simply growing food, the technology holds promise for enhancing the local economy. As Hamdan explains, Cikole’s residents can use yard space more efficiently, and even repurpose organic waste to feed the fish within the system.
Taufik Mochamad Ikhsan, head of Cikole Subdistrict, welcomed the innovation. He highlighted that Vertiqua could turn typically idle domestic areas into productive units, generating both food and income.
Support from University Leadership
Dr. Reny Sukmawani, Rector of UMMI, praised the ingenuity of the students. She described Vertiqua as “a simple yet powerful solution for food security at the household level,” capable of meeting nutritional needs and uplifting community welfare.
This handover is part of UMMI’s broader “Impactful Student Program,” which encourages students to apply their knowledge in real-life contexts and align with the university’s four core missions: education, research, community service, and Islamic/Muhammadiyah values.
Institutional Backing
UMMI’s Research and Community Service Institute (LPPM) recently organized a technical guidance workshop (BIMTEK) to teach local people how to run and maintain the Vertiqua system.
Organizers emphasize that this technology offers a practical method for urban food production, especially in a setting where land is scarce but the need for self-sufficiency is high.
Looking Ahead
By introducing Vertiqua to Cikole, UMMI aims to establish a model of household-level food production that other subdistricts might replicate. The university hopes that the success here will inspire more communities to adopt similar approaches — contributing to stronger, more resilient local food systems.
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