Improving water access for rural communities in Indonesia

In the Malaka Regency, access to clean and safe drinking water is a challenge for many communities, especially in areas like Boen, Wekeke, Nanin, Bisesmus, and Biau. To obtain clean water, residents make daily trips on foot over several kilometres, a time-consuming and physically demanding task which reduces overall productivity and obstructs children's access to education when they are needed to help with water collection and manage family farms. Water also scarcity hampers proper sanitation efforts and involves significant health risks, including the proliferation of waterborne diseases. 

Since 2017, Solar Chapter has built 15 community-led solar-powered pump systems in the region, impacting more than 16,100 people. These pumps remove the need for residents to walk for hours to access water, resulting in time savings that improve the health and well-being of local communities and boost their productivity and economy.

As part of this new project, Arup is developing recommendations for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of Solar Chapter’s existing rural water supply system. The primary areas of focus include water source quality and management, water transmission and distribution, and water storage, which all aim to improve the system’s resilience and ensure long lasting and sustainable operations.

Consultants and engineers looking at a water pump system in operation at a riverConsultants and engineers looking at a water pump system in operation at a river
Arup is developing recommendations for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of Solar Chapter’s existing rural water supply system.

Arup had conducted extensive on-site assessments in East Nusa Tenggara to analyse the water systems and their operation in the Malaka Regency, covering the villages of Boen, Wekeke, Biau, and Nanin. The main goal was to collect data, and gain a greater understanding of the site context, background, and the recurring challenges. This information will serve as essential inputs in developing the recommendations for Solar Chapter.

Mustika Wijaya, Executive Director of Solar Chapter, said, “The partnership between Arup and Solar Chapter represents a significant step towards improving water access and quality in rural areas of Nusa Tenggara Timur. Arup has been a great partner who believes strongly in our mission.”

“Our involvement in this project enables two-way knowledge sharing: learning from the ways that communities navigate challenges of water access alongside sharing our knowledge in planning, designing and delivering sustainable water solutions,” said Arup’s Cities Planning and Design Lead and Project Director, Safiah Moore.

Arup’s Community Engagement Officer and Project Manager, Davin Iskandar Harjatanaya, added, “We are delighted to support Solar Chapter’s programs in Nusa Tenggara Timur and we are hopeful that our joint effort would make a significant impact in promoting sustainable and equitable water access in NTT and beyond.”

The innovative solar-powered water solutions will address the immediate need for clean and accessible water, while also supporting long-term community development and well-being in Nusa Tenggara Timur. 

This partnership showcases the effectiveness of public-private collaborations in tackling global challenges and driving sustainable development. In the face of increasing global water resource pressures, it is crucial that governments, private companies, and non-profit organisations come together to create innovative solutions that ensure access to clean water for all.