Writer : Daffa Tsabat (Meteorologi, 2023)
Editor : Mely Anggrini (Meteorologi, 2022)
Translator : Aisyah Nurdiva Dewary Priatna (Meteorology, 2024)
MAJALAYA, itb.ac.id – Zephyrus, a division of the HMME “Atmosphaira” Semi-Autonomous Body at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), once again conducted field operations to maintain flood monitoring instruments in the Majalaya and Paseh districts of Bandung Regency on Tuesday (July 22, 2025) and Friday (July 25, 2025).
Relocation of the instrument on Jl. Sanding, Paseh.
The activity began on July 22nd, 2025, with the primary task of relocating the solar panel and the Automatic Rainfall Recorder (ARR) instrument on Jl. Sanding, Paseh District. This relocation was undertaken because the previous installation site was deemed suboptimal, and also due to renovations at the original solar panel location, which had previously been mounted on the roof of a bathroom structure.
Following discussions with the landowner and thorough consideration, the solar panel and ARR were moved to the roof of a nearby mushola (small prayer hall), which offered a higher elevation. Beyond ensuring optimal performance, this relocation also served as a collaborative effort between Zephyrus and the local community.
The process involved coordination with the Jaga Balai Foundation—represented by Kang Yadi—and the landowner, Mr. Solehudin. The relocation was carried out using appropriate support equipment to ensure a successful installation. The team also engaged in technical discussions with residents regarding the instrument’s benefits and the use of rainfall data for flood mitigation in the Majalaya area.
Instrument Maintenance at Cibangoak
Meanwhile, the team scheduled to visit the Intake Cibangoak first, submitted a maintenance permit to the Air Bandung Timur (ABT) office, following the change in management from PDAM to Moya Indonesia. However, due to a scheduling conflict with internal activities at Cibangoak, the maintenance work was rescheduled to Friday, July 25, 2025. Consequently, the team joined another group that was relocating instruments on Jl. Paseh.
During the maintenance session on July 25, 2025, the team inspected the Z-ONA (Zephyrus – Observasi Nadir Air) instrument, which had previously experienced data transmission issues caused by an imprecise algorithm. After the program was successfully refined, the instrument returned to normal operation, capable of transmitting data on water levels, rainfall, and battery voltage every five minutes.
Additionally, the team cleaned the solar panels, CCTV lenses, and ultrasonic sensors to ensure data accuracy and provide reliable information for the local community. The maintenance work at the Cibangoak Intake was supported by Kang Dani from Air Bandung Timur (ABT). Following a series of checks and tests, the instrument was restored to optimal operation.
Field Challenges and Coordination
This maintenance activity was not without its challenges. On Jalan Sanding, the temporary unavailability of certain auxiliary equipment necessitated on-site improvisation. Meanwhile, in Cibangoak, coordination with the managing entity was crucial to ensuring the maintenance work proceeded smoothly.
Nevertheless, the Zephyrus team appreciated the positive reception and excellent cooperation from the stakeholders. “We were greatly assisted by the smooth and clear coordination provided by ABT. Furthermore, ABT personnel directly accompanied us during the maintenance process,” said Fauzan, the leader of Zephyrus.
Through this maintenance, the instruments installed by the Zephyrus team are expected to continue operating effectively, yielding accurate and representative data. This data plays a vital role in enhancing community flood risk preparedness and is key to the team’s development of weather and discharge prediction systems.
For the members of Zephyrus, this activity also served as a valuable field experience. Beyond honing their technical skills, they learned the importance of communicating with local communities and managing agencies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the installed flood monitoring instruments.