Indonesia water scarcity and desalination efforts

Following an earthquake in Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, the Indonesian Ministry of Public Works began seeking desalination technology to restore clean water and sanitation access for residents of Palue Island. The disaster heavily damaged local infrastructure, with 481 out of 495 clean water facilities and 302 out of 371 sanitation facilities reported as severely damaged. Minister Dody Hanggodo initiated contact with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to explore seawater conversion solutions due to the island’s geographical challenges and active volcano.

In a broader context regarding national water security, experts are encouraging the development of a deep sea mineral water (AMLD) industry to combat rising water scarcity. Projections from Bappenas suggest that regions facing water scarcity in Indonesia could increase from 6.0 percent in 2000 to 9.6 percent by 2045, with Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara identified as areas facing the highest pressure. AMLD, sourced from depths of 200 to 1,500 meters and purified through desalination, is being highlighted as a sustainable alternative to conventional water sources.