'We only use tap water only to wash car, water plants'

City tap water operator PD PAM Jaya has proposed an increase of tap water rates by 30 percent. The operator says that 17 percent of the hike is to pay its debts to two foreign partners and the remaining 13 percent is to cover inflation and two international firms' operational costs. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents on the issue.

Burhan, 60, is an employee with a private company in Palmerah, Central Jakarta. He lives in Cipinang Muara, East Jakarta:

The financial loss suffered by water operators is not caused by the low water rate but by inefficiency. Residents in my neighborhood have reported pipe leakage to the operator, but its been several weeks now and the pipes have not been repaired.

The water quality is also poor. My family use tap water only for washing the car and watering flowers.

For drinking and cooking, we use ground water because the quality is far better than tap water.

Diah, 31, is a staff member of a U.S.-based non-governmental organization in Menteng, Central Jakarta. She lives in Cempaka Putih with her husband:

The water rate hike isn't too threatening because I can still afford my current water bill, which is only Rp 15,000 (US$1.76) per month. A 30-percent increase means I will pay Rp 20,000. This is tolerable.

But my family is more concerned about the poor quality of the water. Also, I imagine, all customers in the city have suffered from poor service, frequent disruption and the disorganized billing system.

The bills are always late, thus we pay more than we should, because we also have to pay the fines.

Sarwini, 30, is an employee of a private company. She lives in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, with her husband and her baby:

The water rate keeps on increasing without the company notifying us. I paid just Rp 75,000 (US$9) per month in 2000, this increased to Rp 125,000 in 2002 although there was no significant increase in our water usage.

Now, the monthly bill ranges between Rp 150,000 and Rp 200,000.

But I haven't seen any improvement in service. I have to install a water pump so we can use the shower and a water container to ensure we have access to water at all times.

I don't think a 30 percent increase is worth it. Maybe I should dig a well. The price is still going up while the service remains poor.

-- The Jakarta Post