SIDOARJO – The deep-colored wastewater produced from synthetic dyes has long been a major challenge for many small-scale batik businesses. Difficult to treat and costly to process due to high electricity needs, it often becomes a burden for micro and small enterprises. But a promising solution has arrived. A team from the Community Service Thematic Internship (KKN Abmas) of Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) has successfully developed a two-stage, solar-powered photoreactor capable of treating batik wastewater efficiently, affordably, and in an eco-friendly manner.
Led by Haniffudin Nurdiansah, S.T., M.T., a lecturer from the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering ITS, the team addressed the root issues faced by batik artisans—including limited waste-processing facilities and high operational costs. “We designed this tool so that MSMEs can treat wastewater without relying on grid electricity. The goal is to reduce operational expenses and provide a more applicable waste treatment method,” he explained.
The photoreactor innovation utilizes solar energy to drive a photocatalytic process that breaks down synthetic dye molecules such as methylene blue—one of the most difficult dyes to degrade. Copper oxide (CuO) serves as the photocatalytic semiconductor, while nanocellulose functions as an adsorbent to enhance purification performance.
The system operates in two main stages. First, wastewater flows through the photoreactor tube where dye molecules are degraded under UV exposure. In the second stage, the partially treated water is passed through a filtration column filled with silica sand, activated carbon, coconut fiber, zeolite, and gravel to remove residual contaminants. The results are remarkable: methylene blue absorbance dropped from 1.209 to 0.091—equivalent to a degradation rate of 92.47%. The once deep-blue wastewater turns nearly clear.
UMKM Rumah Batik Al-Huda in Perum Sidokare Asri, Sidoarjo, served as the partner site for implementing the technology. The owner, Ir. Nurul Huda, M.Agr, expressed great relief and appreciation for the innovation. “We previously relied only on bleaching the wastewater with chlorine, which raised concerns about environmental impacts. This tool is truly helpful—safer, cleaner, and free from excessive chemical dependence,” she said.
Beyond solving waste issues, the technology brings new opportunities for small-scale batik producers. By harnessing abundant solar energy, MSMEs can now adopt environmentally responsible production practices without incurring extra operating costs.
Haniffudin hopes this innovation will inspire more MSMEs in Sidoarjo and surrounding regions to adopt responsible waste management technologies. “Economic growth in MSMEs must go hand-in-hand with environmental sustainability. We hope ITS continues to be part of real solutions for the community,” he added.
With the introduction of this CuO/nanocellulose solar-powered photoreactor, ITS once again demonstrates its commitment not only to developing advanced technologies but also ensuring they deliver tangible benefits to society.
This innovation—born from the collaboration between students and lecturers—marks an important step toward creating a cleaner, energy-efficient, and sustainable future for Indonesia’s batik industry.
A follow-up meeting on collaboration between the ITS Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering (DTMM ITS) and PT Komatsu
SIDOARJO – The deep-colored wastewater produced from synthetic dyes has long been a major challenge for many small-scale batik
SIDOARJO – In an effort to strengthen food resilience in urban areas, students of the Community Service Program (KKN)