Only 11% of Indonesia's Population Has Access to Safe Drinking Water
Explore the reasons behind the low access rate, the impact on the population, and potential solutions to this critical issue
Written by Rika Andini
Explore the reasons behind the low access rate, the impact on the population, and potential solutions to this critical issue
Written by Rika Andini
Indonesia, with a population of over 280 million people, faces a significant challenge in providing safe drinking water access to its citizens. 1 The Vice President of Indonesia, Ma’ruf Amin, recently stated during the Sanitation and Water for All’s 2022 Sector Ministers’ Meeting that the current safe drinking water access in Indonesia is only 11 percent. 2 This statistic highlights the urgent need for increased efforts and investments to improve the situation and ensure that more Indonesians have access to safe drinking water.
Access to safe and clean drinking water is critical for human health and well-being. The human body is composed of approximately 60% water, and it is necessary for various bodily functions such as digestion, absorption of nutrients, and regulation of body temperature. 3 Lack of access to clean drinking water can lead to waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery, which can be life-threatening, especially for young children and vulnerable populations.
Moreover, the burden of water collection often falls on women and children, who may have to walk long distances and carry heavy containers, leading to physical exhaustion and injury. Therefore, increasing access to clean drinking water is crucial for promoting public health and achieving sustainable development goals.
One of the main challenges in providing clean drinking water to the population is the country’s geography. Indonesia is an archipelago with more than 17,000 islands, making it challenging to distribute clean water to remote and isolated areas. 4 Moreover, the country’s rapid population growth has put immense pressure on the existing water supply infrastructure, leading to insufficient access to clean drinking water. Additionally, the lack of proper sanitation facilities and wastewater treatment systems exacerbates the problem, as contaminated water sources can cause waterborne diseases.
The purpose of this blog is to raise awareness about the current situation of safe drinking water access in Indonesia and highlight the importance of clean drinking water for human health and well-being. Additionally, the blog aims to discuss potential solutions and initiatives that can be taken to improve access to safe drinking water in Indonesia. By sharing information and promoting dialogue on this issue, we can work towards ensuring that everyone in Indonesia has access to clean and safe drinking water, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
Clean drinking water is not accessible to many Indonesians due to several factors. These include poor infrastructure, expensive water treatment, cultural practices, limited awareness, and corruption.
One of the biggest reasons why clean drinking water is not accessible to Indonesians is because of poor infrastructure. Indonesia has a complex geography, consisting of more than 17,000 islands, and this makes it difficult to provide clean drinking water to all parts of the country. Many people living in remote areas do not have access to clean drinking water because of insufficient pipelines and water treatment plants. This, in turn, creates an opportunity for the spread of water-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.
The water sources in Indonesia are polluted by chemicals, bacteria, and other harmful substances, and this makes it difficult to provide clean drinking water to the people. Water treatment plants are required to clean the water before distribution, but these plants are expensive to build and maintain. The government, in many cases, is not able to allocate enough funds to provide clean drinking water to all parts of the country, and this limits access to clean water.
Cultural practices in Indonesia, such as washing clothes and bathing in rivers and lakes, also contribute to the low access rate for clean drinking water. This is because many people do not understand the dangers of using polluted water for such activities. As a result, they use the same water for drinking, leading to the spread of water-borne diseases.
Another reason why clean drinking water is not accessible in Indonesia is that there is limited awareness of the importance of clean water and how to obtain it. Most people in the country do not understand the health risks associated with using polluted water. As a result, they do not take the necessary precautions to ensure their drinking water is clean. There is a need for public education and awareness campaigns to provide information about the importance of clean drinking water.
Corruption in Indonesia is another reason why clean drinking water is not accessible to all citizens. Officials in charge of providing water often exploit the situation and demand bribes from people to ensure that they receive clean water. This corrupt system prevents many Indonesians from accessing clean drinking water and makes it difficult for the government to ensure that everyone has clean water.
One of the most significant effects of the lack of access to clean drinking water is its impact on health. Waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery are prevalent in areas with limited access to clean drinking water. These diseases can cause severe illness and even death, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children and the elderly. According to a report by UNICEF, an estimated 5.0 million children under the age of five die each year in Indonesia due to lack of access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation. 5
The lack of access to clean drinking water can also have a significant impact on education. Children who have to spend time collecting water are often unable to attend school regularly, and those who do attend may be too fatigued to concentrate. Additionally, schools without clean water facilities can expose children to waterborne diseases, leading to increased absenteeism. Moreover, girls may miss school during menstruation when they require private facilities, including access to clean water, which many schools may lack.
The lack of clean drinking water can also have a severe impact on economic development. For instance, individuals in water-scarce regions may not have the time, energy, or resources to engage in income-generating activities, leading to increased poverty levels. Additionally, the lack of adequate sanitation systems can result in contaminated water sources, resulting in decreased crop yield, poor soil quality and increasing economic loss. Building a clean drinking water infrastructure can not only improve the health of individuals but can also help build and grow local economies.
Finally, the lack of access to clean drinking water can have significant social impacts. Women and girls, who are typically responsible for water collection, may have less time and energy available to engage in other essential activities like childcare and entrepreneurship. This can result in gender inequality and decreased social and economic prosperity. With clean water and sanitation, women are empowered to participate in social, economic and political activities.
As of 2022, 3.28% of households in Indonesia did not have access to drinking water, according to a report by the Ministry of Public Works and Housing. The majority of these households were located in rural areas, and access to drinking water varied significantly between provinces, with some regions having much lower access rates than others. This highlights the urgent need for increased efforts and investments to improve access to safe drinking water in Indonesia. 6
One of the most severely affected regions is East Nusa Tenggara, which has the highest shortage of water in the country. A staggering 13.74% of households in this region experienced a shortage of drinking water in 2022. Families and individuals in this area have to rely on untreated water sources, such as rivers or wells, which are often contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. This situation has significant implications for the health and wellbeing of the population.
North Maluku is another area facing a shortage of drinking water, with 9.75% of households experiencing a shortage. Although this number is lower than in East Nusa Tenggara, it’s still alarming and highlights the urgent need for investment in clean water infrastructure in these regions. Lack of clean drinking water can lead to diarrheal diseases, which are among the leading causes of illness and death across the country. In young children, it can also lead to malnutrition and stunted growth.
West Sulawesi, West Papua, and Bengkulu are other regions in Indonesia that continue to experience a shortage of drinking water. With 8.53%, 8.08%, and 5.47% of households, respectively, reporting a shortage of drinking water, it’s essential to remember that each percentage point represents thousands of people who don’t have access to clean drinking water, which is a critical human right.
Around 82 million Indonesians still don’t have access to safe drinking water, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Nearly half of the population relies on unimproved sources, such as wells, and 30% of households depend on bottled water for drinking and cooking. But the government has taken various measures to tackle this dire situation. In 2019, President Joko Widodo pledged to ensure that all Indonesians have equitable access to clean water by 2024 and launched a national program called the Drinking Water Supply System Strengthening Program (PAMSIMAS).7
One of the key successes of PAMSIMAS has been to provide clean water sources to more than 35,000 villages in 33 provinces across the country. The program focuses on constructing small-scale water-supply systems, such as communal taps, rainwater harvesting tanks, and wells, as well as improving existing systems damaged by natural disasters. By 2021, around 23 million people had gained access to improved water sources through PAMSIMAS. 8
Another initiative that has helped improve water access is cash-for-work programs implemented in several provinces, where communities receive payments for running and maintaining water-supply systems. This approach has engaged locals, improved ownership, and increased the likelihood of sustainability and continued water supply over the long-term.
Despite some progress, Indonesia still faces significant challenges in providing safe drinking water to all its citizens, especially those living in remote and rural areas. A major challenge is insufficient funding to address this problem. However, Air Minum Bersih, an Indonesian social enterprise, has taken up the challenge of providing clean water to remote areas.
The company has developed affordable and easy-to-use water filtration systems that do not require electricity. These systems effectively remove impurities and harmful substances from water, making it safe for consumption and cooking. Additionally, the enterprise provides training and education on water filtration and sanitation to local communities, promoting sustainable and long-term solutions to water scarcity in these areas.
Mariasa and his family have lived in Karangasem, Bali, for over three generations without access to water or bathroom facilities. They had to collect water from a nearby river, which was often polluted, causing water-borne diseases. After installing Air Minum Bersih’s water filtration system, Mariasa and his family can now access clean drinking water from their land, improving their health and wellbeing. Air Minum Bersih’s education and training programs have helped Mariasa and his community understand the importance of clean water and sanitation, promoting sustainable and long-term solutions to water scarcity.
Air Minum Bersih’s efforts have made a significant impact on improving access to clean drinking water in remote areas of Indonesia. Its work has helped reduce the spread of water-borne diseases and improve the health and wellbeing of local communities. With more support and investment, social enterprises like Air Minum Bersih can continue to address the water scarcity issue in Indonesia and provide a sustainable solution for the long term.
In conclusion, Indonesia is faced with a significant challenge in providing safe drinking water access for its citizens, as only 11 percent of the population has access to it. Many measures have been initiated by the government, such as the Drinking Water Supply System Strengthening Program (PAMSIMAS), but more investments and increased efforts are necessary to ensure equitable water access for all Indonesians.
Though funding remains an issue, social enterprises like Air Minum Bersih are helping fill the gap by providing affordable and easy-to-use water filtration systems that effectively remove impurities from water. By investing in this kind of innovative technology and educational initiatives, Indonesia can hope to achieve its goal of providing safe drinking water to all its citizens by 2024. This is a cornerstone of development that needs concerted efforts from various stakeholders: governments, institutions, organizations and people to make sure every Indonesian gets equal access to clean and potable water they need for improved health outcomes.
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no 09, 30 September 2022
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