Traditional Wisdom Meets Modern Innovation for Clean Water in Asmat, Papua

Communities supported by Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) in Asmat, Papua, are being introduced to appropriate technology that can help them process water for household needs. The Biosand Filter is a simple innovation, yet it offers significant benefits to the people of Asmat. This filter is made using PVC pipes, sand, and mineral-containing stones. Interestingly, a similar filter was also implemented by previous generations of the Asmat community. 

Childhood memories sparked Bapa Vinsen (57)'s interest in participating in the Biosand Filter training. "Back then, our parents had a unique way to filter and store water. They used long bamboo filled with snail (shellfish) shells to filter water for drinking and cooking," shared the father of four. 

After attending the Biosand Filter training, Bapa Vinsen immediately requested the materials and promptly made the filter at his home. After a few days, he invited WVI staff to see the results of his homemade filter, and indeed, he had successfully constructed it. Vinsen said, "When I first saw that water filter, I remembered my parents from back then. They were able to provide clean water for us children to drink. That's why I was moved to make the filter right away. All this time, we've had water storage, but no filter, so sometimes there was dirt left in the water." 

After making a filter at his home, Bapa Vinsen also assisted several relatives and neighbours who were in the process of making their own water filters. Bapa Vinsen feels helped by the presence of this filter and is also grateful that Wahana Visi Indonesia has provided the necessary tools to make the filter. "Thank you WVI for introducing me to this water filter. It reminds me of my parents, and now I can also provide clean water for my children," he expressed. 

Author: Alfred Robert Dadi (Field Facilitator for Asmat Area Programme) 

Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)