Sepaku Water Project in IKN Attracts Salim Group’s Attention, Auction Imminent
JAKARTA, investortrust.id – The Ministry of Public Works and Housing has responded to reports that PT Moya Indonesia, a part of the Salim Group conglomerate, is interested in bidding for the Sepaku Water Supply System project in the new capital city, Ibu Kota Nusantara, or IKN. The project, which is part of Indonesia’s ambitious plan for its new capital, aims to provide high-quality drinking water to the region.
Acting Director General of Cipta Karya Endra S Atmawidjaja confirmed that the water supply project would soon be opened for auction following the provisional handover phase.
“Yes, it needs to be auctioned immediately. We’re nearing completion of the provisional handover phase. Once this process is finalized, the contractor’s physical obligations will be 100 percent complete,” Endra said during a meeting at the Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development in Jakarta on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
Sources indicate that PT Moya Indonesia, which specializes in water management, is looking to expand its portfolio by managing the Sepaku Water Supply System. The company previously collaborated with the Ministry of Public Works and Housing on similar projects between 2014 and 2024.
When asked about PT Moya Indonesia’s potential involvement, Endra noted that no decisions had been made.
“The auction for the Sepaku Water Supply System operator has not yet been conducted. We’ll know their interest once the auction is held. Currently, we’re finalizing the scope of work and defining the service contract,” he explained.
On a related note, former Minister of Public Works Basuki Hadimuljono reiterated his vision for IKN’s drinking water quality to surpass that of bottled water. He stated that PT Sucofindo, a state-owned quality control and certification company, would soon confirm the water supply’s turbidity levels.
“Alhamdulillah, Sucofindo has certified the water quality. I want IKN’s drinking water to be better than bottled water,” Basuki said.
According to Ministry of Health Regulation Number 492 of 2010 on Drinking Water Quality Standards, safe drinking water must have a maximum turbidity level of 3 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). Basuki reported that the water in IKN now has a turbidity level below 1 NTU.
“Currently, the NTU is well below 1. The regulation deems water with an NTU of up to 3 safe for consumption. In IKN, God willing, it’s already below 1. For comparison, bottled water typically has an NTU of 0.8,” he explained.
Basuki further mentioned that the management and maintenance of the Sepaku Water Supply System would involve collaboration between the Directorate General of Cipta Karya and PT Moya Indonesia. The partnership aims to ensure high-quality water supply and efficient system operations.