MALANG, SEPTEMBER 25, 2024. XL Axiata continues to expand the implementation of Internet of Things (IoT)-based digital solutions in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren). This time, at the Tholabie Classic International Boarding School (CIBS) in Malang, East Java, XL Axiata introduced IoT solutions for maggot farming and hydroponics. The collaboration project was officially launched by Dodik Ariyanto, Group Head of XL Axiata East Region, in Malang on Wednesday (25/09). This initiative is in collaboration with the Benihbaik Foundation, the Bloggercrony Community, and the XL Majelis Taklim Foundation.
Dodik Ariyanto mentioned, "Through the Digital Pesantren Program, XL Axiata provides a range of digital solutions that can be implemented by pesantren administrators throughout Indonesia. These IoT solutions are part of several initiatives developed through the incubation process at XL Axiata's XCamp IoT Laboratory. Selected IoT solutions were chosen for their practicality and effectiveness, aimed at driving economic empowerment within pesantren communities and supporting the #jadilebihbaik initiative, as demonstrated at the Tholabie Classic International Boarding School (CIBS) in Malang."
The IoT Maggot solution was developed by XCamp, XL Axiata's IoT development laboratory, specifically for maggot farming, and comes equipped with features for monitoring environmental conditions and regulating temperature and humidity at Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming locations. BSF is a species of fly whose eggs develop into maggot larvae. The benefits of this solution include increased productivity, reduced operational costs, and data collection for Big Data and Artificial Intelligence purposes, simplifying planning, projections, and maintenance. Additionally, maggot farming contributes to the pesantren’s waste management and recycling programs for organic and inorganic materials.
For hydroponic farming, the IoT solution provides benefits like monitoring systems, automatic nutrient distribution, and environmental temperature control. Key factors for hydroponic farming success, including temperature, humidity, light exposure, pH balance, nutrient solutions, and other measurable variables, can be monitored and adjusted as needed through the IoT hydroponic system.
The IoT solution for hydroponics has proven to increase productivity by more than double on average. Previously, without this tool, nutrient measurements were conducted manually, which often led to inaccurate readings and delayed nutrient replenishment. This inconsistency affected plant growth and overall productivity.
Prior to this, XL Axiata had implemented similar IoT solutions for maggot farming and hydroponics at other pesantren, including XMaggot and Hidroponix at Hidayatulloh Pesantren in Depok, West Java; XMaggot at Al Idrisiyah Pesantren in Tasikmalaya, West Java; KH. Mas Mansur MBS Pesantren in Brebes, Central Java; Miftahul Ulum Sekar Anyar Pesantren in Pamekasan, Madura, East Java; and Madrasatul Quran At Tauhid Pesantren in Sidoarjo, East Java.
Additionally, to improve digital literacy among pesantren and surrounding communities, XL Axiata has provided training on the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) for digital marketing. The digital literacy classes are divided into two segments: one for students, teachers, and pesantren management, and the other for women entrepreneurs in nearby communities. The classes are tailored to meet the specific needs of each audience, with teaching methods designed to address their unique characteristics.
Digital Pesantren Program
Dodik Ariyanto explained, "Through the Digital Pesantren program, XL Axiata has conducted various digital training sessions aimed at enhancing the digital skills of students in pesantren. These include training on becoming content creators, website designers, utilizing IoT, cyber security, and leveraging 5G technology to benefit the broader community. Additionally, XL Axiata has provided routers and free internet access through the Quota Donation Movement to support and facilitate teaching and learning activities in pesantren."
Moreover, XL Axiata employees, via the Majelis Taklim XL (MTXL), have actively supported the Digital Pesantren initiative. This includes operational education donations for underprivileged students at the Tholabie Classic International Boarding School (CIBS), funded through employee zakat collections.
Previously, XL Axiata also ran a laptop donation program for pesantren across various regions in Indonesia. Dozens of laptops, along with 4G fast internet connections and data packages, were distributed to 39 pesantren. The objective of this program is to enable these pesantren to become pioneers in digital transformation, while simultaneously improving the quality of human resources in the pesantren community. This initiative has granted approximately 50,000 students access to the internet, allowing them to participate in educational activities and develop positive, productive digital skills for themselves and their surrounding communities.