SPAM Draft Regional Regulation Urged to Protect Low-Income Communities

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Almost all political party factions in the Jakarta DPRD have stressed the importance of protecting low-income communities (MBR) in accessing affordable drinking water under the Draft Regional Regulation on the Provision of Drinking Water Systems (Raperda SPAM). “The tariff structure must provide real protection for low-income communities,” said PKS Faction Member Ismail while delivering the faction’s general views at the DPRD Jakarta Plenary Session in Jakarta on Monday. He stated that the Raperda SPAM submitted by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government requires several inputs to ensure the regulation truly guarantees people’s sovereignty over water, a basic need. Ismail continued that one issue highlighted by the PKS Faction concerns guarantees of affordable tariffs for MBR, so the tariff and subsidy arrangements in this Raperda must be based on principles of social justice and real protection for the community. “Water subsidies must not be general and loose, but targeted, transparent, and accountable,” he said. Meanwhile, the PDIP Faction requested that the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government’s Raperda SPAM provide a legal umbrella as well as assurance that the drinking water service sector remains a “public utility” as a responsibility for fulfilling the people’s basic needs. In addition, water services for MBR also need attention because they still face difficulties in obtaining clean water, especially in the northern coastal areas of Jakarta, due to incomplete pipeline coverage. “We also request that the Provincial Government consider the impact of basic clean water tariff increases, especially for household categories, amid the current unfavourable economic conditions,” said PDIP Faction Member Yuke Yurike. The same sentiment was expressed by the Gerindra Party Faction, which supports guarantees for community protection, with subsidies being targeted specifically at low-income communities (MBR). In the general views of the political party factions, most requested assurances of clean water and drinking water services for MBR so that they continue to receive basic needs at affordable tariffs.