DPR Member Urges Government to Control Commercialisation of Groundwater

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Hendry Munief, a member of Commission VII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), has urged the government to tighten supervision and evaluate the permitting of groundwater (ABT) commercialisation by bottled drinking water (AMDK) companies and other industries. This call arises from concerns about excessive exploitation that could potentially damage the environment and disrupt the availability of clean water for communities and future generations. “We encourage the government to continue considering how to keep this groundwater preserved for our children and grandchildren,” Hendry said in Jakarta on Friday. He did not deny that the industrialisation of groundwater would increase state revenue. However, the current management of groundwater is not yet fully controlled properly. Without good control, he assessed that uncontrolled commercialisation would cause the stock and quality of clean water to not be maintained sustainably. He also emphasised that the primary mandate of groundwater management is to prevent disparities in access to resources, ensure long-term environmental carrying capacity, and then ensure that this commercialisation impacts society evenly rather than benefiting certain companies. “Don’t let the people think they don’t have sufficient access to clean water, especially when the environment is already polluted. This water crisis not only affects the environment but also other sectors such as agriculture, industry, and others,” he said. In addition to controlling commercialisation, he also requested that the government conduct monitoring of extraction, comprehensive evaluation of local SME involvement in distribution channels, and ensure equitable CSR distribution. “Water is not just a commodity, but a right to life. The state must be present to ensure that balance is maintained,” he said.