Do you still remember Khoirul Anwar? The researcher and inventor behind the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) signal transformation concept, whose technology is also used in 4G networks? He is back with his latest innovation research related to wireless communication. It's a disaster mitigation tool named PATRIOT-Net (Prevention and Recovery Networks for Indonesia Natural Disasters Based On The Internet of Things).

PATRIOT-Net, based on the Internet of Things (IoT), embraces the concepts of disaster prevention and recovery. It consists of two systems to execute its goals: the Monitoring Network System (SJM) and the Recovery Network System (SJP) in its operational principles.

The SJM is the first phase, focusing on disaster mitigation. It encompasses various disaster sensors connected via IoT to mobile applications and web servers. The application displays crucial information related to earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, and landslides, all detectable by this device.

"So, the sensors monitor landslides, floods, earthquakes, and the possibility of tsunamis. This is in the pre-disaster phase. All our data is sent to the government and the application. Then, if a disaster really occurs, it moves to the second phase. This phase is the Mobile Cognitive Radio Base Stations (MCRBS) that operate, becoming BTS (Base Transceiver Station) to help victims," explained this Nara Institute of Science and Technology Japan graduate during an interview with LPDP communication team.

In the second phase, MCRBS is designed to detect cellular phone signals from disaster victims when the BTS from mobile operators is damaged due to the disaster. This MCRBS device can be installed in open-back Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) cars to facilitate mobility. The MCRB antenna can also detect the presence of victims by utilizing their cellular phone signals, especially shortly after a disaster when wireless communication networks collapse.

The SJP supports the entire mobile network instrument from 2G to 5G signals, and even Wi-Fi. Meanwhile, PATRIOT-Net's power supply comes from three schemes: through a generator set, car batteries, and finally, solar energy. All three are integrated and activated according to the scenario conditions occurring in the field.

More Comprehensive and Advanced Than BMKG's Equipment

So far, disaster mitigation tools in Indonesia have been owned or operated by BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency). Then, what sets PATRIOT-Net apart from BMKG's equipment?

In terms of device installation, these sensors are placed specifically in the incident area, producing accurate data and mitigation. Regarding the comprehensiveness in detecting disaster types, Patriot-Net is clearly superior. It covers not only earthquakes and tsunamis but also landslides and floods.

Another advantage is that the data obtained from PATRIOT-Net can also be integrated with existing equipment.

"We are also ready to integrate our sensor data into BMKG. If requested, if given access, we are ready to merge. So BMKG can have additional samples from our sensors," explained this man born in Kediri, East Java.

The integration capability is not limited to BMKG's equipment but also extends to other devices, including data from research universities.

Originating from a Seismograph Request from Japan

The initial idea for creating PATRIOT-Net originated from the Padang City government's request to Khoirul to purchase a seismograph from Japan called Yurikuru. At that time, between 2014 and 2015, Khoirul was in Japan as a researcher at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.

Seismographs for earthquake monitoring are quite expensive. From there, Khoirul had the spontaneous idea to create his monitoring device without relying solely on imports from Japan. However, Khoirul didn't limit it to just seismographs for earthquakes and tsunamis but expanded the equipment to detect other common disasters in Indonesia, such as landslides and floods.

The request from Padang was the reason Khoirul returned to Indonesia and received a career invitation from Telkom University in 2015. Nevertheless, to realize the production of this disaster mitigation tool required significant funding. The Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP) was chosen because it had a research funding scheme called RISPRO (Productive Innovative Research), and in 2016, Khoirul submitted a research proposal for the Padang request.

It took several years for the PATRIOT-Net research proposal to be processed and the funding to be disbursed. Finally, the long-awaited moment arrived. In 2018, the research and development of Patriot-Net began with total funding amounting to Rp 4,824,148,000 over three years.

As the campus was not equipped to carry out the production and sales processes, this research also partnered with PT FUSI Global Teknologi for manufacturing, certification, and sales. Additionally, the research collaborated with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Padang City to develop this system.

Padang City was also the first to adopt the system introduced by PATRIOT-Net. At least, there were 491 recorded natural disasters, both minor and major, in 2022.

Starting Price at 200 Million Rupiahs

PATRIOT-Net is a comprehensive and sophisticated disaster mitigation and recovery equipment made by our own nation. Innovations like this need support through purchases and use by many stakeholders, especially in regions with a history of disasters.

According to Khoirul, the price of PATRIOT-Net is much lower compared to similar imported products. He likened the price of a single imported BTS (Base Transceiver Station) to touch 1.9 billion rupiahs.

Currently, PATRIOT-Net is available for sale as a package or per unit. The SJM package is priced starting from Rp 246 million, the SJP from Rp 301 million, and the all-in package (SJM and SJP) starts from Rp 580 million. The all-in package can be purchased starting from the 800 million rupiahs range.

Meanwhile, the individual Patriot-Net equipment sold separately, such as sensors, software, antennas, and other mobile base station equipment, are priced from tens of millions to hundreds of millions. Prospective buyers can contact the University Center of Excellence for Advanced Intelligent Communications (PUI-PT AICOMS) or PT FUSI Global Teknologi to purchase PATRIOT-Net.

The launch of PATRIOT-Net took place on February 14, 2023, at Telkom University Bandung. This tool is highly suitable for installation in disaster-prone areas that have historically impacted people's lives. Post-launch, the aim is for this product to be more widely spread across Indonesia to address the lack of disaster sensing tools and reduce casualties.