Wirjoatmodjo said the problem riddling Indonesia was that people still extensively used ground water despite the actual regulation not being allowed. According to the regulation, people should use water from PDAM. However, PDAM services have not yet reached majority members of the community.
"If PDAM can reach the community, then there will be no need for the community to use groundwater," Kartika Wirjoatmodjo remarked during the signing of the IWF memorandum of understanding in Nusa Dua, Bali, Tuesday.
This is deemed as crucial to implement together since in Indonesia, especially Java, where big cities, including Jakarta and Semarang, have experienced significant land subsidence due to excessive use of groundwater.
The IWF program is important because it ensures that the community has an effective and cheap water connection, so that they no longer need to buy clean water.
Regarding its operations, the Ministry of SOEs will work closely with the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing, as a regulator regarding raw water and clean water.
The Ministry of SOEs will also cooperate with local governments, including city and district governments, as well as other stakeholders.
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Deputy Minister of SOEs II Kartika Wirjoatmodjo witnessed the signing of the IWF memorandum of understanding between Danareksa BUMN Holding and Strategic Partners and Financial Investors on Tuesday (Oct 18).
Earlier, the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) had urged regional tap water companies (PDAMs) to reduce the use of groundwater to minimize land subsidence.
Director General of Human Settlements at the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Diana Kusumastuti remarked that PDAM should be able to process drinking water without using groundwater.
Kusumastuti is optimistic that PDAM would be able to use a piping system to meet customers' drinking water needs.
As a result, the PDAM is more profitable and can help the government.
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Translator: Aji Cakti, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Suharto
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