PWNU DKI Reminds Provincial Government: Changes In PAM Jaya Status Must Prioritize Public Services

Illustration of PAM Jaya installation (ANTARA)

JAKARTA The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government's plan to change the legal status of PAM Jaya from Perumda to Perseroda received a response from the DKI Jakarta Nahdlatul Ulama Regional Management (PWNU). This organization emphasized that priority in every step must remain public service, not profit.

Deputy Chairperson of PWNU DKI Jakarta, Husny Mubarok Amir, assessed that, in theory, changing status to Perseroda could strengthen investment, improve governance, and open up opportunities for PAM Jaya to develop more.

PAM Jaya can improve governance and the entry of investment. However, this is also a strong warning so that the transformation into a limited liability company does not sacrifice citizens' access to clean water.

"We understand Governor Pramono Anung's good goal, but do not let clean water services appear to be merchandise," Husny told reporters, Friday, September 19.

PAM Jaya's plan to take the floor on the stock exchange is said to be one of the management's medium-term goals, with an initial public offering (IPO) target in 2027.

Husny saw that public support for the plan would only be strong if the government guaranteed that the tariff would remain affordable and the quality of service would increase.

"If the investment comes in but the tariff goes up, this will clearly cause distrust. So a strict control mechanism is needed," he said.

Husny emphasized that his party supports Governor Pramono Anung's idea to develop PAM Jaya, but still demands accountability and transparency from the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government.

"We support if the orientation is clear and in favor of the residents. Otherwise, we will be the first to remind," he said.

Furthermore, Husny suggested that the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government open a wider space for dialogue with the public before deciding strategic policies such as PAM Jaya's IPO.

Bearing in mind, the opening of the company's capital market without a strong control mechanism has the potential to encourage an increase in tariffs or project priorities that benefit investors rather than poor people.

"Transparency is the main key, we support the direction of improvement but don't forget to involve the public." Husny concluded.