PAM Jaya Studies Plans to Increase Water Tariffs

Perumda PAM Jaya Main Director, Arief Nasrudin, explained plans regarding adjustments to PAM water tariffs in Jakarta to Jakarta DPRD Commission B after inspecting the Buaran III SPAM construction in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta, Wednesday (11/13).

We will even lower the tariff

He explained that for the past 18 years, Perumda PAM Jaya had never adjusted water rates.

Nevertheless, his party also did not want the tariff adjustment plan to burden the public, especially the lower middle class.

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He continued the Commission B's proposals and suggestions today would also be taken into consideration in its implementation later.

"What are their suggestions and inputs, although overall it can be conveyed, I can underline and conclude it, thus it can be implemented later. However, I will also consider some suggestions," he expressed.

One of the suggestions included not raising tariffs or even lowering water tariffs for low-income communities.

He added the proposal would be reviewed, thus people in need would not be burdened by the planned increase in PAM water rates.

"Including the water tariff for low-income people, we will maintain it. We will even lower the tariff. This is one of the policy programs specifically for PAM. We will review it again for those who really need help," he added.

Then the plan to increase Perumda PAM Jaya's water tariffs had been studied. His party was trying to ensure that the implementation of this plan did not burden the lower classes.

"Actually, the study has been completed. Now it's just a matter of deciding on discretion to ensure that the needs of this small community are not really disturbed by this tariff adjustment," he uttered.

Several members of Commission B proposed that the plan to increase Perumda PAM Jaya's water tariff be reviewed, especially for the lower middle class. Commission A Chairperson, Nova Harivan Paloh stated that the implementation of the water tariff increase needs to consider the current condition of the community.

"I said that I have to see the condition of the community. If for example it is increased, we will see what the inflation is like, how it will be later. That has to be reviewed again," he stated.

The same statement also came from Jakarta DPRD Commission B Member, Nur Afni Sajim.

However, he agreed that the increase in Perumda PAM Jaya water rates in the future would be carried out for the middle to upper class community.

"Regarding the tariff, in principle for some housing that is indeed middle to upper, I agree. But for middle to lower there also needs to be qualifications and there must be other strategies that need to be considered by PAM," he stated.

Jakarta DPRD Commission B Member, Taufik Zoelkifli assessed the increase in water rates by Perumda PAM Jaya was still reasonable, considering that rates in Jakarta were still low compared to other regions. However, he suggested that Perumda PAM Jaya also improve and enhance its communication services to the public.

"Regarding the rates, I personally think it is reasonable when compared. Not only Depok and Bekasi, but also with the price of bottled water," he added.

Another Commission B Member, Dwi Rio Sambodo reminded that the issue of increasing water rates of Perumda PAM Jaya is very sensitive because it concerns the economic conditions of Jakarta residents. According to him, detailed mapping needs to be done before this plan is implemented.

In addition, he also encouraged Perumda PAM Jaya to continuously improve the coverage of clean water distribution services to the community, especially in areas of water crisis.

"If the one above is raised, it becomes a necessity. If the middle is raised, how much will it be? We must remember that the middle class in Jakarta is very unique," he said.