Clean Water Services in North Penajam Paser Hindered by Limited Raw Water Sources
The Government of North Penajam Paser Regency (PPU), East Kalimantan, is facing obstacles in providing clean water services due to a shortage of raw water sources. Regent Mudyat Noor stated that the limited availability of raw water has made the service provided by the regional water utility company, Perumda Air Minum Danum Taka (AMDT), appear slow compared to other regions with abundant water resources. He also noted that PPU’s vast area and scattered population make network development very costly.
The local government is seeking solutions through cooperation with various parties, including Pertamina and the Nusantara Capital City Authority (Otorita IKN), to increase raw water sources and production capacity. Steps being prepared include building a new reservoir in the Lawe-Lawe area, which will be connected to an existing reservoir, and utilising potential water sources in Waru District.
Despite limited fiscal conditions, the Regent affirmed the government’s commitment to meeting basic needs, particularly clean water services. The current service coverage of Perumda AMDT has increased to over 40 percent, with a target to exceed 60 percent in the next few years. For areas difficult to reach with piped networks, the government will optimise the Community-Based Water Supply and Sanitation Programme (Pamsimas).
Perumda AMDT’s President Director, Abdul Rasyid, outlined several strategic programmes for 2026, including the free installation of household water connections for 800 underprivileged families. The company is also preparing a subsidy programme for five categories of beneficiaries: low-income communities, houses of worship, foundations, orphanages, and integrated health posts. Other initiatives include expanding distribution networks in Waru, Babulu, and Penajam, disaster and drought risk management, an instalment plan for new customer connections, joint network development with the IKN Authority in Sepaku District, and the development of local and regional water supply systems in Long Kali.