Tighter control of groundwater use urged

JAKARTA (JP): Soeparmono, the Director General for Water Resource Development at the Ministry of Public Works reiterated earlier calls for tighter regulation on ground water use yesterday.

Groundwater should be the last option in water use because it should be conserved for future generations, Soeparmono said when opening a one-day seminar held in conjunction with International Water Day, which falls on March 22.

He said regulation of groundwater was a form of consideration of other people.

"Most people (who exploit ground water) are more concerned about the immediate advantages they get at the expense of others," he said.

The event was jointly organized with the National Committee for Irrigation and Drainage, and other parties.

Groundwater regulation comes under the authority of the Ministry of Mines and Energy. Earlier Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said there was only enough groundwater here for eight more years.

Adjat Sudrajat, the ministry's director general for geology and energy resources, said Wednesday at another discussion, that he agreed with a proposed rule, on progressive rates on groundwater use, from the Jakarta administration.

Now fees are only charged for using artesian well water, those using jet pumps get it for free.

According to a 1994 city rule, users of artesian wells at least 40 meters deep have to pay a monthly fee.

Agency head Arifin Akbar said the fees for household, social and industrial use of artesian wells were increased by 150 to 250 percent.

There are 3,100 artesian wells in the city, owned by 2,000 government offices, private companies and individuals. Several without permits have been closed.

A. Salam HS of the Indonesian Forum for Environment,WALHI, cited a study which revealed saltwater intrusion of groundwater had reached Kuningan, South Jakarta.

The study was conducted by the Indonesian Institute of Science.

In 1993 the sea water intrusion was reported to have reached Kebon Kacang, Central Jakarta and Cililitan, East Jakarta. The studies found the intrusion led to corrosion of the foundations of skyscrapers and contamination of groundwater. (11)