Minister Highlights Urgent Need for Equitable Water Access

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), highlighted Indonesia’s uneven water availability, noting that the issue remains a key challenge in maintaining national water security.

Java Island, home to more than half of Indonesia’s population, has only around 4.5 percent of the country’s potential surface water.

“Water security is one of the government’s priorities, alongside food and energy security,” Minister AHY said at the opening of the Indo Water 2026 Expo and Forum at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

The water and wastewater sector exhibition runs from August 11 to 13, 2026.

AHY said the government is working to ensure the availability of clean water for the public and the agricultural sector, while also anticipating drought risks when the dry season coincides with the El Niño phenomenon.

Such conditions can affect clean water availability and agricultural productivity. Minister AHY also emphasized that water quality remains a major concern.

He noted that approximately 70 percent of Indonesia’s rivers are polluted.

The government aims to increase household access to piped drinking water to 51.36 percent by 2029, with the target rising to 100 percent by 2045. To achieve this, the government is promoting the development of regional drinking water supply systems (SPAM).

Expanding household connections is part of efforts to improve public access to drinking water. The government is also strengthening institutions, regulations, and financing, while implementing safe sanitation practices.

Minister AHY encouraged the use of technology to address disparities in water availability. These technologies include seawater desalination, brackish water treatment, and the utilization of deep groundwater.

Submarine freshwater technology is also considered a promising solution for supporting national water security. Minister AHY said technological development requires collaboration among the government, businesses, industries, and technology providers.

“Even if some solutions cannot be implemented immediately, we can start by conducting joint research,” he said.

Such cooperation can extend to joint production to strengthen domestic technological self‑reliance. “We can seek solutions using available technologies. We can engage in joint research and joint production,” he said.

At the same event, Managing Director of PT Napindo Media Ashatama, Arya Seta, said this year marks the 20th edition of Indo Water. The exhibition features more than 700 participants from 23 countries and covers an area of approximately 20,000 square meters.

“There are over 700 exhibitors from 23 countries participating in this event. This is the highest level of participation achieved since Indo Water’s inception,” he said.

Indo Water serves as a platform not only for the exchange of knowledge and technology, but also for collaboration and investment opportunities in the water sector. (Misni Parjiati)