Sanitation Upgraded: 100 Households in Manggarai No Longer Contaminating Rivers

Jakarta’s regional public water utility PAM Jaya has partnered with Perumda Paljaya to revitalise communal bathing, washing and toilet (MCK) facilities in RW 09, Kelurahan Manggarai, Tebet, South Jakarta. The facilities, which serve approximately 100 households, had previously fallen into disrepair, with damaged structures and failing support systems posing a risk of contaminating the surrounding environment, including nearby rivers.

The revitalisation has been completed at two locations: RT 14 and RT 15 within RW 09 Manggarai. Beyond structural repairs to the buildings, the facilities have been equipped with biopal wastewater treatment systems designed to prevent domestic waste from being discharged directly into drainage channels or rivers.

At the RT 14 site, the communal MCK has been connected to a piping network linking directly to the Setiabudi wastewater treatment plant (IPAL) managed by Paljaya. At RT 15, which is not yet covered by the piping network, Paljaya has upgraded the existing biopal tank to function as a mini-IPAL using a blower system.

Syahrul Hasan, Operations Director of PAM Jaya, said that access to safe sanitation is a fundamental need for all Jakarta residents. He emphasised that the collaboration with Paljaya reflects a commitment to ensuring clean water access goes hand in hand with proper wastewater management.

Untung Suryadi, President Director of Paljaya, explained that the revitalisation represents a tangible form of shared concern for environmental preservation. He noted that proper wastewater treatment is essential to protecting water sources and public health.

Access to quality water and adequate wastewater management systems is directly correlated with preventing waterborne diseases, including exposure to bacteria such as E. coli commonly found in contaminated waters. With improved facilities and better wastewater treatment systems, environmental contamination risks and bacterial exposure can be significantly reduced.

The project supports the implementation of Clean and Healthy Living Patterns (PHBS) and contributes to improving community health quality in one of Jakarta’s most densely populated neighbourhoods. The collaboration between the two regionally owned enterprises demonstrates how municipal utilities can work together to address urban sanitation challenges in the capital.