Jakarta Water Hero 2026: Record Water Connections Pave Way for Citywide Access

Jakarta's water utility, PT PAM Jaya Perseroda, has achieved a significant milestone by installing a record 72,666 new drinking water connections throughout 2025. This accomplishment earned the regional-owned enterprise a Museum of World Records Indonesia (MURI) award for the most water pipe connections in a single year. The award was presented to DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung during the Jakarta Water Hero 2026 event.

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The achievement became a capital to accelerate the expansion of piped water services, especially for residents who still have difficulty obtaining clean water.

Governor Anung highlighted that this record is not an end in itself but a stepping stone toward accelerating the expansion of piped water services, particularly for residents still struggling to access clean water. Currently, PAM Jaya's services cover approximately 82% of Jakarta, reaching 8.9 million residents. The provincial government aims to achieve 100% piped water coverage by 2029, a target that Anung believes is achievable within the next three years.

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When I declared in 2029 that clean water services in Jakarta must reach 100 percent, many did not believe it. But now PAM Jaya's achievement has reached 82 percent. I am confident that with the next three years, the 100 percent target can be realized.

Emphasizing the fundamental nature of water, Governor Anung stated, "Water is not just a commodity, but a basic need that must be accessed equitably." He stressed that the expansion of the network must prioritize communities most in need. The MURI record is seen as an appreciation of efforts, but the ultimate goal is ensuring all citizens, especially the vulnerable, have access to clean water, which he described as a basic right.

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For me, the MURI Record is a form of appreciation for what has been done. However, what is more important is ensuring that the community, especially groups in need, obtain access to clean water because water is the basic right of every citizen.

Anung also called for continued professionalism within PAM Jaya following its transformation into a regional company. He underscored the importance of separating regulatory and operational functions to maintain transparency, accountability, and independence in the company's management. He added that water resilience depends not only on infrastructure and government policy but also on the public's wise use of water to ensure its continued availability. PAM Jaya's Director, Arief Nasrudin, noted that the company's current pipeline network is around 13,200 kilometers, and over 2,000 kilometers more are needed to reach the 100% coverage target by 2029.

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Professionalism is the key word if PAM Jaya wants to continue to advance. There should be no intervention in running the company. When the governance is maintained properly, the results are starting to be felt today.