Makassar water quality and access initiatives

Authorities in Makassar are undertaking various initiatives to manage water quality and improve access to clean water. Initial efforts focused on environmental maintenance and digital monitoring. Perumda Air Minum Kota Makassar conducted cleaning operations in raw water channels, while the Makassar Public Health Laboratory launched the Sipakatau Integrated Water Quality Monitoring System to digitize inspection data from drinking water depots.

Subsequent efforts have expanded to address water scarcity and geographical challenges. In the Kaluku Bodoa sub-district, PLN UIP Sulawesi implemented a disaster preparedness program providing boreholes and water tanks. Additionally, the Makassar City Government is investigating solar-powered seawater desalination technology for the Sangkarrang Islands District.

Recent developments have shifted focus toward infrastructure coordination and wastewater management. To improve urban sanitation, the Makassar City Government has allocated Rp8 billion to increase household connections to the Losari Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant (IPAL), a significant increase from the Rp500 million allocated in 2024. Public Works Department Head Zuhaelsi Zubir noted that the city is offering free connection services to encourage residents to link waste pipes to the facility. While the Losari IPAL utilizes Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor technology with a capacity of 16,000 cubic meters per day, current connections stand at approximately 7.5 percent, or 699 households, against a target of 14,000 connections.

Furthermore, Andi Syahrum, Acting President Director of Perumda Air Minum Kota Makassar, continues to coordinate with the Public Works Department to protect water pipe networks during drainage excavations. Discussions also continue with central government representatives to secure support for the planned construction of a rubber weir on the Tallo River.