Trade Ministry Outlines Six Obligations for Refillable Water Depot Operators
The Ministry of Trade has emphasised that refillable drinking water depot (Damiu) operators must meet a number of business requirements, ranging from possessing a Business Identification Number (NIB) to using licensed raw water sources, in order to guarantee the safety and quality of drinking water for consumers.
During a discussion at the Ministry of Trade office in Jakarta on Tuesday, Director General of Consumer Protection and Trade Order Moga Simatupang stated that these obligations are part of the government’s efforts to improve business compliance whilst providing protection to the public. To this end, the Ministry of Trade is collaborating with the Jiva Svastha Nusantara Foundation to educate both business operators and the public about the provisions that Damiu must fulfil.
“Compliance is part of the business operator’s responsibility to consumers. Business operators must ensure that the goods and services traded meet the applicable provisions,” Moga said.
He explained that every refillable drinking water depot is required to have a Business Identification Number (NIB) and a standard certificate, possess a hygiene and sanitation eligibility certificate, and use food-grade containers that meet health requirements. Business operators are also required to check the condition of consumers’ containers and carry out rinsing, washing, and sanitation correctly. They must possess a raw water supply guarantee letter from a licensed raw water company and conduct periodic water quality tests at accredited health laboratories or laboratories appointed by the regional government.
In addition to fulfilling these obligations, Moga stressed that there are also prohibitions that must be observed by operators. These include not providing or using branded gallons or branded gallon caps for refilling services, not stocking ready-to-sell packaged drinking water products, and also stocking ready-to-sell packaged drinking water products.
Moga said this educational effort was initiated following various findings and viral posts regarding the use of dirty, dull, and even unfit containers for refilling drinking water. “As we know, there have been several viral incidents where drinking water packaging was dirty, dull, and unfit, yet was still being used to refill drinking water for the public. That is why we need to hold this activity to provide education,” he explained.
The Ministry of Trade hopes that business operators will improve their compliance with the applicable regulations whilst providing better protection for consumers in obtaining refillable drinking water that is safe, hygienic, and meets standards.