Government Intensifies Efforts to Address Water Crisis and River Pollution
- Istimewa
Jakarta, VIVA – The water crisis in Indonesia is no longer a distant threat—it has become an undeniable reality. Rapid population growth, urbanization, and land-use changes continue to put increasing pressure on the country's limited water resources.
On Java Island, for instance, heavy reliance on groundwater extraction has led to a significant decline in water tables, worsening the clean water crisis that is unfolding gradually but steadily.
According to Sigit Reliantoro, Deputy for Environmental Governance and Sustainable Natural Resources at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, water availability across the country remains uneven, with certain regions facing severe shortages.
Speaking at the Indonesia Water Forum 2025, hosted by CNN Indonesia under the theme "Water Source Conservation for Future Generations," Sigit emphasized the government's commitment to tackling the crisis.
"There are two main strategies we are implementing. First, we are conducting capacity assessments of water reserves. Nationally, we are utilizing only 17.39 percent of available water resources for domestic, agricultural, and industrial needs," Sigit said at Hotel Borobudur, Jakarta, on Wednesday (March 26).
However, despite national usage remaining within safe limits, water distribution is imbalanced. "In Java, by 2024, we are projected to face an annual shortage of 118 billion cubic meters. Meanwhile, islands like Sumatra and Kalimantan still have adequate supplies," he added.
Indonesia Water Forum 2025
- Istimewa
Water quality is another pressing issue. Of 2,195 monitored rivers, only 2.19 percent of monitoring points meet quality standards. "Around 96 percent of river pollution is categorized as mild, but the cumulative impact is significant," Sigit explained.
Climate change further aggravates the situation. Extreme rainfall intensity, exceeding 115 millimeters, has triggered severe flooding in areas such as Jakarta and Bekasi. Deforestation in key watersheds like Kali Bekasi and Ciliwung has reduced forest cover to as little as 3.53 and 11 percent, respectively, weakening the land’s ability to absorb water.
The government is responding with concrete measures, including water treatment technology improvements, better watershed management, and public awareness campaigns. Community-based programs, such as river clean-ups involving the military, local governments, and youth volunteers, are also underway to protect water resources for future generations.
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