In summer of 2023, Fahmi Faridz joined the mWater team as the Indonesia Country Data Manager. With him, he’s bringing his penchant for data analysis and history of working with data. Joining mWater felt like a no-brainer since it’s a data-based organization and Fahmi is always looking for data approaches that strengthen the decision-making process. He has a strong belief that data can be turned into information, information turns into knowledge, knowledge turns into insight, and insight can inform wisdom and policy. A powerful process that can create real impact.

https://theifactory.com/news/gaining-wisdom-from-data/

For Fahmi, he takes the terms of Solstice as he defines himself as a “sector agnostic” person. Wherever there’s data, he will follow. Though his background is in astronomy, Fahmi has had a journey working in the fields of ICT4D, climate change, public health, project management, humanitarian works, data science, and now, WASH. He’s eager to create a positive impact in the WASH Sector and learn as much as he can along the way.

What excites you about the USAID IUWASH Tangguh work?

Working for IUWASH Tangguh, visiting PDAM (Water Utilities) in Salatiga, Central Java

When I came to the office, they [in the Indonesian office] were really happy to see me since they have only been remotely supported and now, as a part of mWater, I can support by:

Project implementation in-person
Leveraging a data-driven approach to developing the MIS, including asset management
Water quantity and quality monitoring

How has mWater been useful for this work?

mWater is more than a technology, it's a mission. For IUWASH Tangguh, mWater itself has a goal for the project: to support in enhancing the data quality to improve asset management, reduce non-revenue water, improve water quality and availability, among others.

mWater supports the work with the MEL (monitoring, information, and learning) team to identify the progress of the project.

IUWASH Tangguh works with PDAM (Water Utility) in their project areas and some of the PDAMs collect field data in a paper-based form, then input it into the system via computers. mWater has data collection and analysis integrated into one platform which will improve their ways of working to be less redundant and have quicker insight.

What are some unexpected challenges you’ve had in the USAID IUWASH Tangguh work?

How we can synchronize the data collection and visualization to make better use of mWater and smooth the decision-making process.

From Stars to Solutions: A Journey and Impactful Data-Driven Quest in WASH with mWater