Jakarta. Authorities in Jakarta have begun deploying portable water treatment systems to ease a persistent clean water shortage, as the capital works toward universal piped water coverage by 2029.

The city’s water demand reached around 24,000 liters per second in 202, equivalent to more than 2 billion liters per day, according to Jakarta water company PAM Jaya. However, piped water service currently covers only 65.85% of residents, leaving roughly a third of the population without access.

To help narrow the gap, a portable treatment installation has been introduced in Cengkareng, W. Jakarta, serving 295 customers, including 202 existing users and 93 new connections.

Deputy Governor Rano Karno said the system is designed as a temporary solution that can be relocated based on demand.

“This portable system is temporary and can be moved according to demand,” Rano said at the inauguration on Wednesday.

Officials say the units are intended to provide short-term relief in underserved areas while permanent infrastructure, including reservoirs and expanded pipelines, is still under development. Similar mobile systems were previously deployed during disaster relief efforts in Aceh, albeit at a smaller scale. Once permanent facilities are completed, the portable units will be transferred to other areas in need.

Arief Nasrudin, president director of PAM Jaya, described the rollout as part of a broader mitigation strategy to address water supply challenges.

“This installation is part of our effort to address Jakarta’s clean water crisis. We are also preparing other technologies, including devices capable of harvesting water from the air,” he said.

The city is also leveraging mobile utility fleets to enable faster and more flexible use of raw water sources across different locations, strengthening its on-the-ground response to fluctuating demand.

Beyond short-term measures, Jakarta is seeking to accelerate long-term solutions through international partnerships. The administration is expanding cooperation with Bin Zayed Group to support water infrastructure development and broader urban projects.

“Our collaboration with Bin Zayed Group reflects growing international trust in Jakarta. We hope this partnership will expand beyond the water sector into construction and other industries,” Rano said.

The UAE-based conglomerate has also expressed interest in participating in strategic initiatives such as the construction of a giant sea wall, part of Jakarta’s broader ambition to transform itself into a global city.

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