Life Below Water
CONSERVE AND SUSTAINABLY USE THE OCEANS, SEAS AND MARINE RESOURCES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Contents
1. Introduction and Commitment7
2. SDG 14 Performance at a Glance7
3. Preventing Water Pollution at the Source8
3.1 Wastewater treatment8
3.2 Regular monitoring and maintenance of the STP8
3.3 Drainage inspection and maintenance9
3.4 Awareness and pollution prevention10
4. Stormwater Management and Retention Ponds11
Water absorption areas13
5. Water Reuse and Efficiency13
6. Keeping Plastic and Hazardous Waste Out of Water14
6.1 Reducing single-use plastics14
6.2 Safe management of hazardous waste15
7. Protecting and Maintaining Local Aquatic Ecosystems17
Landscape pond18
Community cleanup along the Cijantung River18
Aquatic and wetland-associated species18
8. Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals and Way Forward19
List of Figures
Figure 1: UIII campus and its surrounding landscape7
Figure 2: Wastewater treatment tank8
Figure 3: Treatment chamber of the wastewater system8
Figure 4: Pumps and pipework of the wastewater system8
Figure 5: Periodic maintenance of the sewage treatment plant9
Figure 6: Drainage master plan of the campus10
Figure 7: Typical cross-section of the environmental drainage channel10
Figure 8: Drainage channel with inspection covers10
Figure 9: Drainage inspection point10
Figure 10: Underground chamber in the drainage system10
Figure 11: Roadside drainage channel10
Figure 12: Drainage channel leading to a retention pond10
Figure 13: Campus restroom11
Figure 14: Toilet cubicle with environmental signage11
Figure 15: “Do not litter in the toilet – flush after use – keep the toilet clean” sign11
Figure 16: Masterplan of the UIII campus12
Figure 17: Map of the three retention ponds (blue)12
Figure 18: Retention pond next to the campus buildings12
Figure 19: Aerial view of a retention pond12
Figure 20: Retention pond with aquatic vegetation12
Figure 21: Paved plaza in front of the main building13
Figure 22: Walkway paved with porous blocks13
Figure 23: Porous-block pavement along the campus road13
Figure 24: Paved courtyard that allows rainwater infiltration13
Figure 25: Schematic of the ground water tank and water treatment facilities14
Figure 26: Landscape irrigation with a water tanker (16 August 2024)14
Figure 27: Water meter14
Figure 28: Main water meter14
Figure 29: Restroom with water-saving taps and urinals14
Figure 30: Restroom with water-saving fixtures14
Figure 31: Toilet with water-saving flush14
Figure 32: “Ditch the Plastic” campaign banner in the canteen area15
Figure 33: Qurban meat preparation with woven bamboo baskets (besek) replacing plastic bags15
Figure 34: Used fluorescent lamps awaiting collection16
Figure 35: Used batteries collected for transfer16
Figure 36: Temporary Hazardous Waste (B3) Storage Facility16
Figure 37: Transfer of hazardous waste to the Depok Environmental Agency (DLHK)16
Figure 38: Campus lake17
Figure 39: Aerial view of the lake and its surroundings17
Figure 40: Lake shore and surrounding vegetation17
Figure 41: Water lilies growing in the lake area17
Figure 42: Fish release activity in the lake area17
Figure 43: Kayaking on the campus lake17
Figure 44: Kayaking on the campus lake17
Figure 45: Landscape pond in the faculty building area18
Figure 46: Landscape pond, view 218
Figure 47: Landscape pond, view 318
Figure 48: Landscape pond, view 418
Figure 49: UIII news article “Depok Mayor Pledges to Build Performance Hall at UIII” (UIII official website, March 2025), which refers to planned cooperation on retention lakes.20
Figure 50: Berita Depok news article “Planting Trees and Releasing Fish Fingerlings at UIII Depok, Supian Suri Hopes to Strengthen the City’s Ecosystem” (Depok City Government official website, March 2025), reporting the release of fish into Situ Pangarengan, the lake within the UIII campus.20
List of Tables
Table 1: Key indicators for water pollution control and aquatic ecosystem protection8
Table 2: Retention ponds on the UIII campus12
Table 3: Campus area available for water absorption13
Table 4: Plastic consumption, previous year versus current year (tonnes)15
Table 5: Hazardous (B3) waste produced and managed (tonnes)16
Table 6: Aquatic and wetland-associated species recorded on campus18
1. Introduction and Commitment
Water that leaves a campus through its drains, effluent and waste streams eventually reaches rivers and, ultimately, the sea. Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) therefore treats the protection of water quality and aquatic habitats as part of responsible campus management. This report presents UIII’s contribution to SDG 14 (Life Below Water), in particular target 14.1 on preventing and significantly reducing pollution from land-based activities.
UIII’s approach rests on four pillars: treating wastewater before it is discharged; keeping pollutants out of the drainage and stormwater system; reducing plastic and managing hazardous waste so that neither contaminates water; and maintaining the campus retention ponds, lake and landscape ponds as functioning aquatic habitats. These measures are supported by Rector Regulation No. 26 of 2023 on Environmentally Friendly Campus Management and Rector Regulation No. 27 of 2023 on Green Building Implementation, which require the conservation of water resources through technological, vegetative and land-use management approaches.
2. SDG 14 Performance at a Glance
| Indicator | UIII result |
|---|---|
| Retention ponds (Rectorate, Mosque, Dormitory areas) | 3 ponds, 14,300 m², 35,750,000 L capacity |
| Water absorption area (besides forest and planted vegetation) | 332,690 m² (23.33% of campus area) |
| Sewage treatment plant (STP) monitoring | Monthly |
| Drainage channel inspection and maintenance | Quarterly |
| Plastic consumption | 0.045775 → 0.025325 t (−44.7%) |
| Plastic cup consumption | 0.022275 → 0.003825 t (−82.8%) |
| Hazardous (B3) waste generated | 0.066 → 0.047 t (−28.8%) |
| Hazardous waste transferred to licensed management | 0.0376 t (80.0% of generated) |
Table 1: Key indicators for water pollution control and aquatic ecosystem protection Plastic and hazardous-waste figures compare the current reporting year with the previous year. Detailed tables are provided in Sections 4 and 6.
3. Preventing Water Pollution at the Source
3.1 Wastewater treatment
Domestic wastewater generated from toilets, bathrooms, kitchen facilities and building cleaning is collected through a dedicated piping network and conveyed to Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) that use the Extended Aeration system and are installed across the campus buildings. Treating wastewater on site reduces the risk of soil and water contamination, protects surrounding ecosystems and minimises the discharge of untreated wastewater into the environment. It also allows UIII to monitor and control the treatment process directly and reduces reliance on external sewage disposal services.
The treated effluent is discharged into the campus drainage network, which leads to the retention ponds. A portion of the treated water is reused for landscape irrigation (Section 5).
3.2 Regular monitoring and maintenance of the STP
UIII monitors its STP every month to confirm that water quality improves before the effluent enters the drainage system and the retention ponds. The STP are also maintained periodically, including cleaning of equipment and monitoring of system performance, to support compliance with environmental management standards.
3.3 Drainage inspection and maintenance
Drainage channels are inspected and maintained every quarter to prevent blockages from solid waste and sediment. Well-maintained channels keep water flowing and reduce the risk of polluted runoff reaching the retention ponds.
3.4 Awareness and pollution prevention
Environmental signage in the campus toilets reminds users not to throw waste into toilets, to flush after use and to keep the facilities clean. The signs help keep solid waste out of the wastewater system and support the performance of the treatment plants.
4. Stormwater Management and Retention Ponds
Green open space covers 98.13 per cent of the UIII campus (1,399,257 m²) and acts as a natural infiltration zone that supports groundwater recharge and reduces runoff. UIII applies a Zero Runoff Principle: green open spaces, infiltration areas, drainage networks and retention ponds work together so that stormwater is retained and gradually absorbed into the ground or used within the campus water system rather than being discharged quickly. The campus development plan protects water catchment and recharge areas, and the university maintains the minimum proportion of green open space required by the Rector Regulation on Environmentally Friendly Campus Management.
The stormwater drainage system collects runoff from buildings, roads and open spaces and conveys it to three retention ponds located in the Rectorate Area, the University Mosque Area and the Dormitory Area. Water is stored temporarily, regulated and allowed to infiltrate, which reduces surface runoff and lowers flood risk. The ponds are an integral part of the campus drainage network.
| Location | Number of retention ponds | Area (m²) | Average depth (m) | Capacity (litres) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UIII campus | 3 | 14,300 | 2.5 | 35,750,000 |
Table 2: Retention ponds on the UIII campus Capacity = area × average depth (14,300 m² × 2.5 m = 35,750 m³ = 35,750,000 litres).
Water absorption areas
In addition to forest and planted vegetation, UIII provides infiltration areas that let rainwater soak into the ground: the areas around the retention ponds, open spaces, and surfaces paved with porous blocks or left uncovered. Of the 1,425,889 m² campus (about 143 ha), 332,690 m² (23.33%) is designated as water absorption area besides forest and planted vegetation.
| Type of area | Area (m²) |
|---|---|
| Retention areas (Rectorate Area, University Mosque and Dormitory Area retention ponds) | 14,300 |
| Open spaces used as infiltration areas, and other infiltration areas | 318,390 |
| Total water absorption area (besides forest and planted vegetation) | 332,690 |
| Total campus area | 1,425,889 |
| Water absorption area as a share of campus area | 23.33% |
Table 3: Campus area available for water absorption Percentage = 332,690 m² ÷ 1,425,889 m².
5. Water Reuse and Efficiency
Water collected in the retention ponds is pumped to the Ground Water Tank (GWT). Together with the Water Treatment Plant (WTP), the GWT stores, treats and distributes the water for non-potable uses: landscape irrigation, toilet flushing and cleaning of buildings and outdoor areas. This lowers dependence on freshwater sources.
UIII also reduces water demand, and therefore wastewater, through water-saving equipment. Push-operated taps release water only while in use and stop automatically, and toilets and urinals use eco-flush buttons. Water meters are used to monitor consumption.
6. Keeping Plastic and Hazardous Waste Out of Water
6.1 Reducing single-use plastics
Plastic that is not collected can end up in drains, rivers and eventually the sea. UIII reduces plastic waste at source by encouraging students, lecturers, staff and visitors to bring reusable tumblers, water bottles and shopping bags. Awareness campaigns and educational materials are displayed in campus facilities such as the canteen. During the annual Eid al-Adha celebration, UIII has also eliminated single-use plastic from the Qurban meat distribution by replacing plastic bags with woven bamboo baskets, locally known as besek.
| Plastic item | Previous year (tonnes) | Current year (tonnes) | Reduction (tonnes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic (total) | 0.045775 | 0.025325 | 0.020450 |
| Plastic cup (225 g) | 0.022275 | 0.003825 | 0.018450 |
| Plastic trash bag (500 g) | 0.023500 | 0.021500 | 0.002000 |
Table 4: Plastic consumption, previous year versus current year (tonnes) Reduction is the previous-year volume minus the current-year volume.
Plastic consumption fell from 0.045775 to 0.025325 tonnes, a reduction of 0.020450 tonnes (44.7%). Plastic cups dropped from 0.022275 to 0.003825 tonnes (82.8%), and plastic trash bags decreased from 0.023500 to 0.021500 tonnes.
6.2 Safe management of hazardous waste
UIII does not treat or dispose of hazardous waste (B3) on campus. Used batteries, fluorescent lamps, LED bulbs, electrical cables and other hazardous items are collected, kept separate from general waste and stored in a Temporary Hazardous Waste Storage Facility designed to prevent environmental contamination. Through a collaboration with the Depok Environmental Agency (DLHK Kota Depok), the waste is transferred to licensed hazardous waste management services in line with Indonesian environmental regulations.
UIII generated 0.047 tonnes of hazardous waste in the current year, down from 0.066 tonnes in the previous year, a reduction of 0.019 tonnes (28.8%). Of this, 0.0376 tonnes (80.0%) was transferred to licensed management services, and the remaining 0.0094 tonnes (20.0%) was held safely in temporary storage pending the next scheduled collection.
| Type of waste | Produced (tonnes) | Reduction (tonnes) | Current-year management (tonnes) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Previous year | Current year | Transferred to licensed management | Held in temporary storage | ||
| Hazardous (B3) waste, total | 0.066 | 0.047 | 0.019 | 0.0376 | 0.0094 |
| Batteries | 0.006 | 0.005 | 0.001 | 0.0046 | 0.0004 |
| Lamps | 0.060 | 0.042 | 0.018 | 0.0330 | 0.0090 |
Table 5: Hazardous (B3) waste produced and managed (tonnes) UIII does not treat hazardous waste on site; “transferred” quantities were handed over to licensed hazardous waste management services.
7. Protecting and Maintaining Local Aquatic Ecosystems
The campus lake, water infiltration areas and landscape ponds serve both as aquatic ecosystems and as green infrastructure. They are managed to maintain hydrological balance, improve environmental quality and provide habitat for aquatic and wetland species. UIII maintains these areas through water quality upkeep, protection of riparian vegetation, erosion control, regular removal of waste and litter, and continuous monitoring of the condition of the aquatic ecosystem, so that the habitats remain viable over the long term.
Landscape pond
The landscape pond in the faculty building area provides a suitable environment for fish and other aquatic life. It supports the surrounding vegetation by creating a favourable microclimate and serves as a water source for birds and insects, contributing to a balanced campus ecosystem.
Community cleanup along the Cijantung River
UIII also works with its neighbours to protect the water bodies around the campus. On 19 June 2025, UIII and the Baktijaya Village Administration and Sukmajaya District Office organised a community cleanup and tree-planting programme along the banks of the Cijantung River and in areas adjacent to the campus. Participants included village and district officials, neighbourhood leaders (RW and RT), community organisations, security personnel, UIII faculty and staff, and local residents. They cleaned public spaces, removed waste from the riverbank and planted trees, with the aim of improving environmental cleanliness, biodiversity, green open space and ecological resilience. The partnership is expected to serve as a foundation for future cooperation on environmental management.
Aquatic and wetland-associated species
Periodic biodiversity monitoring on campus has recorded freshwater fish, frogs and dragonflies, and the flora inventory includes the water lily.
| Species / group | Taxonomic group | Observation status on campus |
|---|---|---|
| Freshwater fish | Aquatic organism | Observed in specific areas |
| Frog | Amphibian | Observed in specific areas |
| Dragonfly | Insect | Commonly observed |
| Water lily (Nymphaea rubra) | Aquatic plant | Identified in the campus flora inventory |
Table 6: Aquatic and wetland-associated species recorded on campus Extract of the campus biodiversity monitoring records.
8. Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals and Way Forward
Taken together, the measures in this report help prevent land-based pollution from reaching water bodies and keep the campus aquatic habitats healthy. The key initiatives are:
• On-site treatment of domestic wastewater in Sewage Treatment Plants, with monthly monitoring and regular maintenance.
• An integrated drainage and stormwater system with three retention ponds, quarterly drainage maintenance and a Zero Runoff Principle.
• Water reuse for landscape irrigation, toilet flushing and cleaning, and water-saving fixtures that reduce wastewater volumes.
• Reduction of single-use plastics, including reusable tumblers and bags and besek baskets for Qurban meat distribution.
• Safe segregation, storage and transfer of hazardous waste to licensed services in collaboration with DLHK Kota Depok.
• Maintenance of the campus lake, retention ponds and landscape pond as habitat for aquatic and wetland species.
• Community cleanup of the Cijantung River bank with village and district government and local residents (June 2025).
• Governance through Rector Regulations No. 26 and No. 27 of 2023 on environmentally friendly campus management and green buildings.
UIII will continue to monitor its wastewater treatment and the condition of its ponds and lake, to reduce plastic and hazardous waste, and to strengthen collaboration with authorised partners to protect water quality.
