Penajam Boosts Clean Water for IKN with New Plants

RRI.CO.ID, North Penajam Paser - The North Penajam Paser Regional Administration in East Kalimantan is significantly ramping up its clean water infrastructure to keep pace with the rapid development of Indonesia’s Nusantara Capital City (IKN).

By integrating large-scale treatment plants with community-based systems and private investment, the regency aims to close the utility gap for both local residents and the burgeoning administrative hub of the nation.

Central to this expansion is a Water Treatment Plant (WTP) with a capacity of 50 liters per second located in the Sepaku Subdistrict. Built by the Public Works Ministry near the Telake River intake, the facility sits adjacent to a larger 300-liter-per-second plant dedicated to IKN.

As reported by Antara, the Ministry has since handed over the 50-liter facility to the North Penajam Paser Administration to be managed by the regional water utility, Danum Taka Regional Water Utility Company.

"The 50-liter-per-second WTP is being utilized to expand services within the Sepaku area and to supply clean water to the administrative offices of the IKN," said Nicko Herlambang, Assistant I for Government and People's Welfare, on Friday, January 23, 2026.

He emphasized that the government’s priority remains the steady broadening of access for all citizens. Beyond Sepaku, the project is designed to increase household connections in Petung and surrounding areas, reaching as far as Saloloang through the Waru Subdistrict distribution network.

In a push for more localized solutions, the regency is also revitalizing Community-Based Water Supply and Sanitation programs. A new pilot project in Telemow and Binuang villages introduces third-party investors to manage these systems.

Each Pamsimas site requires an investment of approximately IDR 2 billion (USD 125,000) to cover essential infrastructure. This funding accounts for treatment units, distribution pipelines, water meters, and pumping machinery.

The strategy is already yielding measurable results. Nicko noted that clean water coverage climbed to 41 percent by the end of 2025, up from 34 percent the previous year.

"Throughout 2025, clean water service coverage increased to 41 percent from the previous 34 percent. If we can add approximately 10 to 15 percent in household connections annually, we expect the clean water supply goals to be completed soon," concluded Nicko.

This multi-tiered approach marks a critical shift in how the regency manages its local responsibilities. At the same time, it defines the regency's evolving role as a supporting partner to the new national capital. ***