K-water to build water treatment facility in Indonesia

Korea Water Resources Corp. (K-water) President Yun Seog-dae, left, poses with Indonesia's Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, right, after signing a memorandum of understanding during the 10th edition of the World Water Forum in Indonesia, Sunday. Courtesy of K-water

The Korea Water Resources Corp. (K-water) partnered with Indonesia’s Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing to build a water treatment facility in Nusantara, the Korean government agency said Wednesday.

Located in east Borneo, Nusantara is Indonesia’s future capital, and the deal is a part of the South Korean government’s official development assistance for the Southeast Asian country.

Under the deal, K-water is expected to build a water treatment facility that can daily purify 30,000 tons of water to supply about 200,000 residents living in Nusantara’s government district. The total project cost is estimated to reach 28.5 billion won ($20.9 million).

According to the agency, it has already completed a review of its construction design and will select a builder by the end of this year. Once the construction starts, K-water is expected to become Korea’s first government agency to participate in Indonesia’s new capital project.

The agency added it will be the Southeast Asian country’s first carbon-free water treatment facility with a top-notch system with high energy efficiency.

The system also features AI technology that automatically optimizes the use of purifying chemicals to maximize water quality.

“The deal was part of the Korean government’s move to fulfill its duty and role as a global leader,” K-water President Yun Seog-dae said during the memorandum of understanding signing ceremony. “K-water will closely communicate with its Indonesian counterparts to successfully build the facility.”

The two countries’ partnership was announced during the 10th edition of the World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia. Along with the water purification plant project, K-water also came to an agreement with the Mekong River Commission on extending cooperation in downstream Mekong River development.

Indonesia has spurred its move to change its capital since the country announced its decision in 2019. It established competent authorities for the future capital while looking for overseas partners.

The South Korea government said it will continue seeking further areas of future cooperation with Indonesia while encouraging local companies to join the partnership.