Jakarta, November 2024 — Jakarta State University (UNJ) continues to demonstrate its commitment to environmental sustainability through the implementation of a water conservation program at Campus A, Rawamangun, East Jakarta. This program is a real step in responding to the challenges of the high need for clean water, waste water management, and the risk of flooding due to high rainfall in urban areas.

With a land area of ​​around 115,085 square meters and a student population of more than 27,000, UNJ places water as a vital element in academic and administrative activities. The campus's clean water needs reach around 1,956 cubic meters per day, which comes from two main sources: piped water from Aetra and shallow groundwater from 33 drilled wells. The water distribution system is carried out through the Ground Water Tank (GWT) which is pumped to the roof tank and distributed throughout the building.

However, the use of groundwater is still a challenge because the Groundwater Extraction and Utilization Permit (SIPA) and water flow meter (flow meter) are not yet equipped. To reduce dependence on groundwater, UNJ has begun to expand the use of piped water and built 10 infiltration wells with a total capacity of around 45,200 liters. This well functions to collect rainwater so that it seeps into the ground, maintaining groundwater balance, while reducing the potential for flooding.

In waste water management, UNJ has implemented a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) system with extended aeration and biotech technology. Several main buildings such as Dewi Sartika and RA Kartini use STPs with a capacity of 60 m³, while other buildings such as Bung Hatta and Ki Hajar Dewantara use STPs with a capacity of 10 m³. The treated water is reused for watering gardens and cleaning buildings, as a form of application of the principle of reuse in water conservation.

However, some old buildings still use conventional septic tanks which have the potential to pollute groundwater. Therefore, UNJ is targeting a gradual replacement to a modern STP system, accompanied by routine monitoring of surface water and groundwater quality every six months. Monitoring results are reported to the Environmental Service and Water Resources Service of DKI Jakarta Province as a form of environmental transparency and accountability.

Apart from that, UNJ is also optimizing the micro and macro drainage systems that channel rainwater to the tributaries of the Sunter River. However, drainage capacity still needs to be increased to prevent inundation, considering that rainfall in the Rawamangun area can reach 57.6 to 476.1 mm per month.

Through this water conservation program, UNJ not only strives to meet environmental standards, but also instills sustainability values ​​among the academic community. With the support of collaboration between institutions, such as local government and the campus community, UNJ is determined to become a model campus in efficient and environmentally friendly water resources management.