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Indonesia

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Indonesia

Indonesia's water and sanitation crisis

With a population of 275 million people, Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world and claims Southeast Asia’s largest economy. The capital, Jakarta, continues to expand as an international hub, however, rural communities and residents of informal settlements in urban areas struggle with infrastructure and poor health. For many families, water sources are distant, contaminated or expensive, and household sanitation is unaffordable.

About 192 million Indonesians lack access to safe water and 14 million lack access to a safe toilet. Fortunately, there is a growing urgency due to national targets for universal access to safe water and sanitation by 2024, and both the public and private sectors are recognizing that financing for household water and sanitation solutions is a growing need.

192 million lack access to safe water
Capital: Jakarta
Population of 275 million
14 million people lack access to a safe toilet

Our impact in Indonesia

Since 2014, we have rapidly increased access to water and sanitation for low-income households through our WaterCredit solution, building strong relationships with more than 26 local financial institutions, and changing the lives of more than 5.7 million people with safe water or sanitation.

We continue to expand our work by pursuing partnerships with different types of organizations, including commercial banks and rural banks. We also partner with community-based organizations, which are responsible for providing water and sanitation services to rural areas. We work to build their capacity and help them access much-needed capital from local banks to expand infrastructure and reach more people in need of safe water and sanitation solutions.

We are also working with government-owned local water utilities to improve their business operations and sustainability of services. This includes helping them develop affordable financing options for clients who are connecting to their system for the first time, as well as helping them implement solutions that are both cost and energy efficient.

5.7 million people now have access to safe water or sanitation in Indonesia.

Aisyah, a woman in Indonesia smiling as she stands in a field of crops she grew.

A vision for future impact in Indonesia

Throughout the next several years, Water.org plans to support the Indonesian government’s targets in reaching universal access of basic water and sanitation across the country using market-based approaches. This includes scaling up our programs with microfinance institutions and commercial banks, as well as expanding our work with utilities and water and sanitation service providers.

  • Stories of Impact

    Safe water in Sapdiah's rainforest home

    While Indonesia’s rainforests are some of our planet's most biologically rich landscapes, many of the families who call the region home are not so affluent. Families like Sapdiah’s family lack the funds needed to access life's most critical resources, like safe water at home.

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  • Stories of Impact

    Mumina's family still has access to safe water

    When she’s not sewing to support her family's income, Mumina gardens a small vegetable bed, launders clothing, and cares for her children. This life—time to sew, water for clean laundry and fresh food, Mumina’s happiness—it is made possible by access to safe water. Something Mumina has known for a few years now, but at one time, she thought was impossible.

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    Mumina at home
  • Stories of Impact

    Closer to home

    In the heart of Indonesia, where lush landscapes and a commitment to daily prayer abound, lies the inspiring story of Patahimawati – a woman who, like millions of women around the world, struggled with the daily challenges of inadequate access to safe water and sanitation at home. Her life took a transformative turn, however, when her family got affordable, lasting access to safe water at home.

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See all Indonesia stories

Indonesia impact statistics

People reached 5.7 million

The number of people who now have access to safe water or sanitation and the health and opportunity they bring.

Capital mobilized (USD) $169 million

Our partners mobilize funds from capital markets to provide water and sanitation loans.

Loans disbursed 977,000

Our local partners make loans to people in need for life-changing safe water and sanitation solutions.

Number of active partners 26

We work with financial institutions, service providers, international agencies, and governments to make an impact.

Repayment rate 99%

Every repaid loan means another family in need can get affordable access to safe water at home.

Average loan size (USD) $203

Small loans can help make a big difference by providing long-term solutions for families in need around the world.

Percent of women borrowers 90%

Women are primarily responsible for household water collection and are solving the water crisis for their families.

Households living under $6.85/day 84%

We are committed to helping people living in poverty get access to safe water and sanitation solutions at home.

To help end the water crisis in Indonesia, donate today.

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