ITS Smart Farming for Food Resilience

ITS has officially launched the Smart Integrated Aquaponic Pod (SIAP), marking a major milestone in Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen food security and climate resilience. Developed through collaboration among several ITS research centers, SIAP represents a new generation of smart, modular greenhouses that blend environmental engineering, aquaponics, and artificial intelligence into one efficient, sustainable farming platform.  

Built on a lightweight, yet durable galvanized frame measuring 4 x 3 x 2 meters, SIAP is designed for flexible use in urban areas, educational institutions, research facilities, and small-to-medium farming communities. Inside, it operates a closed-loop aquaponic ecosystem where nutrient-rich water from fish cultivation promotes plant growth before being filtered and recirculated, minimizing waste and significantly reducing water consumption. 

The system is strengthened by IoT and AI integration. Real-time sensors monitor temperature, humidity, pH, and oxygen levels, with AI-based analytics automatically recommending irrigation, feeding, and circulation adjustments. This technology enables precise control, consistent yields, and energy-efficient operations. 

Alongside SIAP, the team introduced I-Farm Melon, a premium cultivation program featuring baby Sagami melon. Known for its sweetness, uniformity, and high success rate, the variety is ideal for urban markets, education, and small-scale agribusiness. Its integration with SIAP ensures optimal climate and nutrient control, delivering consistent, high-quality results. 

A significant milestone is SIAP’s inclusion in the government’s e-Catalogue, enabling broader adoption by public institutions, universities, and agricultural agencies through an official, transparent procurement system. This step is expected to accelerate the implementation of smart farming technologies nationwide. 

Positioned as a locally developed innovation with global relevance, SIAP strengthens sustainable agriculture, supports technological literacy, and contributes to long-term food resilience through efficient, precise, and environmentally responsible production. This innovation also reinforces ITS’ broader commitment to advancing sustainable technologies.