PJT I: SPAM Bango Operates Optimally, Supplying Clean Water to the Community
Malang, East Java (ANTARA) - Perum Jasa Tirta (PJT) I states that the Bango Drinking Water Supply System (SPAM) continues to operate optimally, supplying clean water to the people of Malang City, East Java, amid various challenges, particularly the high burden of waste.
PJT I’s President Director Fahmi Hidayat in Malang on Thursday conveyed that the board of directors has carried out a series of mitigations against on-site obstacles, from installing floating trash barriers on the river surface to cleaning intake pipes.
“What we are jointly concerned about is the condition of raw water that is heavily influenced by waste. Especially during rain when flood discharge carries waste from upstream,” said Fahmi.
He explained that the installation of floating barriers serves to block waste from reaching the water treatment system.
The floating device stretched across the river functions to repel surface waste so that it does not enter the clean water treatment system.
Meanwhile, PJT I’s Vice President of Business Development Didik Ardianto explained that natural factors can affect the company’s operational mechanisms.
He gave an example that during heavy rain conditions, the river’s discharge will carry loads in the form of waste or soil sediment and can block the channels in the intake pipes, impacting the quality of raw water.
The efforts that have been ongoing have been adjusted to standard operating procedures so that the produced water still meets health standards.
In addition to direct handling in the field, the Jasa Tirta team also conducts real-time monitoring using the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system and through hourly periodic testing.
Moreover, they have formed an anticipatory pattern in facing seasonal change challenges to keep supplies stable.
Based on technical feasibility studies, the Bango River’s discharge or baseflow is at a safe level to maintain production continuity even entering the dry season.
He added that efforts to ensure production water remains up to standard, his team also collectively undertakes initiatives to build public awareness regarding environmental conservation.
“In addition, we are committed to continuously conducting comprehensive operational evaluations,” he stated.