Dharma Pongrekun’s Innovative Water Solutions for Jakarta’s Crisis

Dharma Pongrekun’s Plan for Jakarta’s Water Crisis

Dharma Pongrekun, a candidate for Jakarta Governor, has a plan to address the city’s water crisis. He suggests converting rainwater into clean water. This proposal comes in response to regulations that limit water access for residents without proof of land ownership.

During a recent debate, Dharma shared his idea of a ‘monkey cheek pond.’ This dry reservoir will collect floodwaters from West Java and serve as a rainwater storage solution. He stated, “Because this is fresh water, it can be turned into clean water using technology connected to the regional drinking water company.”

Dharma plans to build these ponds in public spaces like parks and sports facilities. This initiative aims to help residents avoid buying gallon water and using groundwater, which is restricted.

He also mentioned that the Regional Water Company (PDAM) has the technology to make this system work, but he believes there is a lack of political will from local officials to implement it. In addition to the ponds, he intends to normalize and naturalize 13 rivers in Jakarta. He believes this will make the water suitable for consumption.

The debate focused on ‘Urban Planning and Climate Change.’ It was the last before the voting on November 27, 2024. Dharma Pongrekun and his running mate Kun Wardhana will compete against two other candidate pairs, Ridwan Kamil-Suswono and Pramono Anung-Rano Karno.

This plan is an effort to improve access to clean water and enhance Jakarta’s infrastructure for the future.