Water in Indonesia

Indonesian Red Cross Water and Sanitation Programme 

According to a forecast from the United Nations Center for Human Settlements, around 58 percent of Indonesia will experience a clean-water crisis by 2010.  This will be followed by a reduction in groundwater flows and declining water quality. Lack of proper water management, uncontrolled extraction, and pollution are the principal factors affecting the availability and quality of the water. Together with the Indonesian Red Cross, Nestlé Indonesia run a water project in a village in Banten Province (some 150 km West from Jakarta). The project is intended to provide the 1'200 villagers with access to clean water and with sanitation facilities in view of helping improve environmental health.

By December 2008, 1'200 villagers obtained access to clean drinking water, and proper environmental sanitation facilities, thus helping improve overall public health in the area.

Various activities were put in place to reach this goal:

• Mapping in order to gather accurate data on existing water sources, their quality & management, and new potential water sources.
• Outreach work aimed at the villages and local government, who are to play an important role in the succesful implementation of this project, and in taking responsibility for the management of the water sources and facilities developed.
• The provision of training on water and sanitation management for local volunteers and the community at large.
• The design and development of appropriate models that are well suited to the needs of the environment and the community.
• The construction of clean-water facilities with the support of the community.