No Need for Pipe Dismantling: PAM Jaya Uses Gel to Seal Water Leaks
Jakarta, Kompas.com – PT PAM Jaya (Perseroda) has begun using specialised gel technology to seal leaks in Jakarta’s water pipeline network. The technology is considered more efficient as it can repair leaks without requiring damaged pipes to be dismantled.
PAM Jaya Chief Executive Arief Nasrudin stated that the technology works by injecting gel into leaking sections of the pipeline network. The gel then automatically seals gaps or holes in the pipe.
“Now we have gel. So pipes that leak do not need to be dismantled for certain sizes. The gel is like the technology in run-flat tyres. When there is a hole, it immediately closes it,” said Arief during a media discussion at the Jakarta City Hall Press Room on Wednesday (11 March 2026).
“When we tested it around two in the morning, the holes in the pipes were immediately sealed,” he added.
He explained that the gel can last approximately eight years, making it effective for reducing leaks in aging pipeline networks.
“The holes are immediately sealed and it can last eight years. We have this technology now,” Arief stated.
The use of this technology is expected to help reduce the rate of water loss or Non-Revenue Water (NRW), which is water that has been produced but is not recorded as customer consumption.
Arief explained that one of the main causes of high NRW is leakage in pipeline networks, some of which are quite old.
“The age of our pipes varies. Some are already more than 30 years old and account for approximately 70 per cent of the existing network,” he said.
In addition to pipe repair technology, PAM Jaya is also developing several other innovations to improve customer service. These innovations include digitalisation of service systems, use of smart water metres, and development of a customer service application so residents can report water disruptions via mobile phone.
PAM Jaya is also preparing new technology capable of producing drinking water by capturing moisture from the air. This technology is planned to be deployed in the Sudirman–Thamrin area.
“We will have equipment called atmospheric trapping. It is water trapping from the atmosphere, it has no water source but can create water,” said Arief.
Additionally, the company is planning to produce environmentally friendly bottled drinking water made from paper or tetra pak to reduce plastic bottle use.
Arief said various innovations are being undertaken to expand piped water service coverage in Jakarta.
Currently, piped water service coverage in Jakarta has reached approximately 80 per cent and is targeted to continue increasing in the coming years.