Jakarta's Groundwater E Coli Bacterial Pollution is Very High, DPRD: This is Worrying

Chairman of Commission D of the DKI Jakarta DPRD Ida Mahcepat/PHOTO: Diah Ayu-VOI

JAKARTA - Head of Commission D of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Ida Mahcepat, revealed that currently, the contamination of groundwater by Escherichia Coli (E Coli) bacteria in Jakarta is very high.

Based on studies by experts, the current level of E Coli in Jakarta reaches 50 thousand per 100 milliliters. In fact, the maximum E Coli quality standard threshold is only 2,000.

"Our E Coli bacteria are extraordinary. In Jakarta, which should have been a maximum of 2,000, now there are 50 thousand. This is concerning", said Ida during a Commission D meeting at the DKI Jakarta DPRD building, Wednesday, September 28.

Ida said that the most polluted groundwater by E Coli was in the North Jakarta area, with the worst conditions being in Pademangan, Tanjung Priok, and Penjaringan sub-districts. This is due to the large amount of human waste that is disposed of carelessly.

"Because of the dense population and slums, that's why North Jakarta is the highest", said Ida.

This member of the PDIP faction of the DKI Jakarta DPRD also asked that the control of groundwater pollution be the focus of the DKI Provincial Government. Given, this condition can have an impact on increasing stunting rates that endanger the growth and development of the younger generation.

"One of the effects of high E Coli bacteria is stunting. This should be our concern. If we can repair the house, we can manage their waste, why not? Instead of us being busy taking care of grants and others whose budget is wasted. Why We don't take advantage of the positive for our future generations", said Ida.

Ida encouraged the staff of DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan to also seek to reduce the use of groundwater in residential areas.

The trick is to intensify the increase in the coverage of clean water services managed by PAM Jaya. Given, currently, the coverage of clean water services in Jakarta is still at 65.85 percent.

a) If the local government is firm, regarding existing local regulations, the use of groundwater should be reduced. But, is the PDAM ready for the clean water preparation? It must be balanced. Cook, residents are not allowed to use groundwater, but PDAM water does not enter", she added.