Groundwater use for households above 100 m3 must obtain a licence

Jakarta – The government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (EMR), has issued a policy regulating the use of groundwater for household use. This regulation aims to maintain the continuity of groundwater use and prevent further damage to groundwater resources.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Decree No. 291.K/GL.01/MEM.G/2023 on Standards for the Implementation of Groundwater Use Approval stipulates the need for a permit for households that use groundwater more than 100 cubic metres per month. Meanwhile, households that use groundwater less than 100 cubic metres per month do not need to apply for a permit.

Muhammad Wafid, Acting Head of the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, emphasised that this policy should not worry most households in Indonesia.

“Don’t worry, most households in Indonesia do not need a permit (to use groundwater) because their average usage is only 20-30 m3 per month, far below 100 cubic metres per month,” he said in an official statement on Monday, 6 November.

Wafid said that “regulations related to the use of groundwater with large discharge have existed for a long time, one of which is regulated in the Water Resources Law that took effect in 2004”.

This policy was implemented to address the problem of over-exploitation of groundwater that can result in the decline of groundwater reserves and other impacts, such as land subsidence and seawater intrusion.

Several areas in Indonesia, especially in major cities in Java, have suffered severe damage due to groundwater depletion. To remedy the situation, conservation efforts and sustainable management of groundwater resources are crucial. This includes reducing over-exploitation, as well as finding alternative sources of clean water to fulfil the needs of the community. (Hartatik)

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