KKI Reminds Consumers: Maximum One-Year Lifespan for Reusable Galon Bottles
The Indonesian Consumers’ Community (KKI) is reminding consumers to pay closer attention to the ideal lifespan of reusable galon bottles, which should be a maximum of one year or around 40 uses. According to KKI, this limit aims to maintain the cleanliness of the galon while protecting users’ health.
KKI has received complaints indicating that at least 92% of consumers are unaware of the lifespan limit. This data comes from 250 reports in seven cities from March to April 2026. “This shows high consumer awareness but minimal knowledge, indicating weak education from producers,” said KKI Chairman David Tobing in an official statement on Thursday, 30 April 2026.
Based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), around 34% of Indonesian households use galon water as their primary drinking water source. This number is estimated to be equivalent to nearly 100 million consumers. However, amid this high usage, KKI highlights the absence of information on the lifespan printed on reusable galon bottles. “The galon doesn’t indicate how long its lifespan is; only the production code is printed. This is what I call a regulatory vacuum on lifespan,” said David.
As a result, consumers continue to receive old galon bottles without realising the risks. The 92% data obtained by KKI shows that consumers are still using galon bottles over one year old.
Through mandatory photo verifications attached to reports, KKI even found several galon bottles up to 11 years old.
“There are some that are 11 years old. In some areas around Jakarta, many galon bottles are over five years old,” he said.
The physical condition of the galon bottles is also a concern. 30% were reported as dirty or mossy, and 18% cracked or scratched. “The older the galon age, the more varied the complaints. Physical issues, dirt, dullness, and cracks dominate consumer reports,” he stated.
KKI assesses that using reusable galon bottles beyond the lifespan limit poses health risks, particularly because the polycarbonate material in the galon contains BPA. This substance can leach and mix into the water, especially due to sun exposure, prolonged use, and rough washing processes.
According to KKI, the maximum one-year lifespan or 40 uses is implemented to prevent potential health disruptions, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues. “There is a principle in trade that if the price is the same, the quality is also the same. The question is, sometimes with galon we can buy at the same price but the galon is already old,” said David.
Therefore, KKI urges producers to be more responsible in monitoring the circulation of reusable galon bottles, so that galon exceeding the lifespan limit is no longer used by consumers. On the other hand, KKI also asks the government to promptly draft regulations that favour public health protection, not merely producers’ profits. “The regulatory vacuum on lifespan for reusables is the root problem that must be addressed,” he said.