Yogyakarta. Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD) has introduced BiruSmart, a sophisticated weather-monitoring system aimed at empowering farmers and fishers in coastal communities like Parangtritis, Bantul.
In the face of unpredictable climate conditions, this innovation offers timely, data-driven support to improve productivity and enhance safety.
From Challenge to Innovation
Coastal farmers and fishermen constantly struggle with weather variability. Shifting rainfall patterns, sudden changes in wind, waves, and temperature disrupt planting schedules and fishing activities. This not only affects crop yields and fish catch, but can also pose serious safety risks for fishermen heading out to sea.
To address these challenges, UAD launched a community service program in November 2025, introducing two core components:
- A Smart Traffic Light (LTC) device installed in the field.
- The BiruSmart mobile application, accessible via Android devices.
How It Works
- The LTC unit is equipped with multiple sensors that measure key environmental parameters: temperature, wind speed, water flow, and general weather conditions.
- These real‑time data are sent to BiruSmart, where users can view them conveniently on their smartphones. For farmers, the system helps determine the optimal times to plant and harvest. For fishermen, it provides vital information on sea conditions — particularly waves and wind — before they set out.
Empowering, Not Replacing Local Knowledge
Dr. Choirul Fajri, head of the UAD team, emphasizes that BiruSmart doesn’t aim to overshadow traditional intuition and local experience. Instead, it provides real-time data support so that local decisions become safer and more productive.
Positive Reception from the Community
- Farmers’ Feedback: Darwan, a local farmer, admits that for years they have struggled to interpret changes in the seasons. With BiruSmart, he says, “the information is easy to understand and accessible anytime, giving us hope for more stable yields.”
- Fishermen’s Feedback: Sujita, a fisherman from Parangtritis, explains the direct benefit: “Now, we can check wave conditions before leaving for sea. That makes our trips safer.”
A Multidisciplinary Effort
The project is carried out by a cross‑faculty team from UAD, including:
- Dr. Choirul Fajri (Communication)
- Dr. Norma Sari (Law)
- Ir. Sri Winiarti (Informatics)
- Ir. Haris Imam Karim Fathurrahman (Electrical Engineering)
Besides deploying technology, the team provides training in digital marketing and regulatory understanding, helping farmers and fishermen strengthen their roles in the production and distribution chain.
Bigger Picture: Sustainable Development & Blue Economy
BiruSmart is part of UAD’s larger 2025 Technology & Innovation Transformation Program (PTTI), funded by the Directorate General of Research and Development, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology.
If the program scales, Parangtritis could become a model for a data-driven blue economy in Indonesia — contributing to food security, technological inclusion, and environmental sustainability (in alignment with SDGs).
Looking Ahead
While this is an early step, the deployment of BiruSmart signals a promising direction: bringing inclusive, real-time, tech-based decision support to coastal communities. By complementing local wisdom with data, UAD’s innovation offers a pathway to safer, more productive, and climate-resilient livelihoods.
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