Post-Disaster Recovery in Sumatra, Danone Builds Clean Water Infrastructure

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Danone Indonesia has joined forces with the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) to strengthen the recovery of health services following the flood disaster in Aceh and North Sumatra through the provision of access to clean water and the installation of water treatment facilities at a range of health facilities. The programme is being implemented in response to flood disasters and infrastructure damage that have affected several areas since November 2025, disrupting access to clean water in hospitals and community health clinics (puskesmas). As part of a collaboration between Danone Indonesia, the Pusat Krisis Kesehatan (Centre for Health Crises) of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, and local governments, the support aims to ensure medical services, sanitation, and the operation of health facilities continue to meet safety and health standards. “Water is the most fundamental element of life and a primary need in every health facility. Without clean water, medical services, childbirth, and sanitation cannot operate safely,” said Vera in a written statement, quoted on Thursday, 5 March 2025. He/she said that Danone’s long experience in water management provides a basis for the company to help build clean water infrastructure in the affected areas. “Our long experience in water management, including AQUA’s track record of 53 years in safeguarding water quality in Indonesia and more than 71 years of experience in providing nutritional products, underpins our plan to build clean water infrastructure and water treatment installations for health facilities in Aceh and Sumatra,” said Vera. Overall, support is being provided to 7 Regional General Hospitals (RSUD) and 29 puskesmas as well as auxiliary puskesmas in the affected areas. The assistance includes the construction of 35 clean water source points (deep wells) and the installation of 7 water treatment units. The infrastructure is spread across health facilities in East Aceh Regency, North Aceh, Aceh Tamiang, Bireuen, Pidie Jaya, Langsa City, Central Aceh, and Tapanuli Tengah in North Sumatra. At the same time, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Pusat Krisis Kesehatan of the Kementerian Kesehatan RI and Danone Indonesia regarding support for access to clean water to aid the recovery of health facilities after the disaster in Aceh and North Sumatra. Head of the Pusat Krisis Kesehatan of the Kementerian Kesehatan RI, Agus Jamaludin, said that the availability of clean water is a crucial factor in maintaining the quality of health services, especially in disaster-affected areas. “The availability of clean water is an essential component in maintaining the quality of services and patient safety, particularly in disaster-affected areas,” said Agus. He described the collaboration as an example of constructive cooperation between the private sector and government in speeding up the recovery of health services. “The collaboration between the Pusat Krisis Kesehatan of the Kementerian Kesehatan RI and Danone Indonesia demonstrates a constructive form of cooperation in supporting the accelerated recovery of health services in Aceh and Sumatra,” he said.