Jakarta Desalination Possible if Giant Sea Wall Is Built, Says Governor - Tempo.co English

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung said the capital could turn seawater into freshwater through desalination to prepare for potential water shortages, but the plan would be more feasible once construction of the Giant Sea Wall begins.

“To turn seawater into freshwater for use, one thing is to start the Giant Sea Wall as soon as possible,” Pramono said at the Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) building on Thursday.

Pramono said construction of the Giant Sea Wall would provide sufficient brackish water that could be processed into freshwater for daily use.

“If that can be done, then the supply of brackish water or freshwater that can be processed into water for public use, the Jakarta government through PAM Jaya is ready to do it,” he said.

The statement came after Jakarta's Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) Chair Suhud Alynudin proposed that the Jakarta administration begin preparing for potential clean water shortages caused by drought by processing seawater through desalination technology.

“There is already desalination in the Thousand Islands, turning seawater into clean water, freshwater. I think this should also be tried to anticipate the possibility of Jakarta running short of clean water,” Suhud said.

Suhud said the potential for drought should be taken seriously because it could persist for an extended period and affect residents.

He called on the Jakarta administration to prepare preventive measures, including by utilizing available water sources around the capital.

The Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has issued an early warning for meteorological drought in several parts of the capital.

Based on an analysis by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), parts of Jakarta were placed under the “Alert” category for drought during the second 10-day period of September, from September 11 to 20, 2026.

The areas covered by the warning are West Jakarta, Central Jakarta, East Jakarta, North Jakarta, and the Thousand Islands.