Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia and Coca-Cola Foundation Indonesia (CCFI) introduced a pilot project called ‘Green Rusunawa’, which integrates a water management model (Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) system) and waste management at Rusunawa (low-cost apartment). As a pilot project, the Green Rusunawa concept has been developed in 3 blocks (block 5,6 and 7) at Rusunawa Muara Baru, North Jakarta.
The idea of integrating sustainable water and waste managements at rusunawa also supports the sustainable city development, one of government’s main pillars of infrastructure development, especially for the eleventh point of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), which is to develop inclusive, secured, strong and sustainable cities and neighbourhoods.
In the initial phase of the implementation in 2017, Atma Jaya Community Empowerment Center (PPM), in cooperation with CCFI, directly involved in the process, starting from designing the program, assembling RWH infrastructure, until training and guiding community to build sustainable waste management system through waste banks.
Ir. Agustino Darmawan, MM, the HOD of Public Housing and Settlement Area of Jakarta Province, said, “We truly appreciate the concept of Green Rusunawa which is one form of strategic collaboration among business world, academicians and government in assuring water security, management and sustainable sanity. This type of housing is a perfect example of eco-friendly rusun by making use of rain water.”
According to data from Ministry of Public Work and Housing (PUPR) as a technical ministry, at the moment the national water fulfilment only has reached 68.8%. Due to the fact, PUPR Ministry just launched 100-0-100 program, 100% drinking water; 0% slums; and 100% healthy sanitation, so that the access to clean water in all cities in Indonesia can be achieved in 2019.
The rain water harvesting is actually has been utilized by people in certain regions. However, it is not common in cities due to several factors, such as wrong perception about rain water, inappropriate technology and other reasons. Dr. Agustinus Prasetyantoko, Rector of Atma Jaya University, added: “This program is a real example of positive synergy for Indonesian. The implementation of this concept touches two important elements in sustainable housing, which are water and waste managements, so that it does not only provide access to clean water for daily needs, but also gives economic benefits.”
Rain water harvesting through RWH technique in this rusunawa can hold 336.000 litres of water and help 300 families to gain access to clean water. Besides, through this program, CCFI and Atma Jaya University also has built a social and learning space through a learning center, supported by the community radio for communication and socialization among residents. Support from the rusun manager and locals is big, especially after the permit from Department of Public Housing and Settlement Area of Jakarta has been issued.
The track record of RWH which is partially done by Atma Jaya University has entered its 8th year. It shows Atma Jaya’s commitment in humanities, health and nationalism. The vision of Atma Jaya University to build three centers: Center for nation, human, dan health development, is perfectly shown through this program.