The Board of Supervisors (Dewas) and Board of Directors of Perumda Tirta Bhagasasi, the regional water utility for Bekasi Regency, have unanimously agreed to undertake a thorough evaluation of all existing cooperation agreements with third parties. This strategic decision places particular emphasis on contracts related to the procurement of raw water, signaling a proactive move to ensure the continued relevance, financial viability, and mutual benefit of these partnerships. The resolution was reached during a high-level coordination meeting held to assess the company’s performance for the second quarter of 2026, gathering key stakeholders from top leadership down to branch and departmental heads.
The Imperative for Strategic Evaluation in a Growing Metropolis
Bekasi, a rapidly expanding urban center bordering Jakarta, faces immense pressure to provide reliable and high-quality public services, with clean water supply being paramount. As a regional public enterprise (Perumda), Perumda Tirta Bhagasasi is tasked with the critical responsibility of managing water resources, processing them, and distributing potable water to millions of residents and numerous industrial establishments across the regency. The sustainability and efficiency of its operations are directly linked to the socio-economic well-being and public health of the community it serves.
The decision to review third-party contracts, especially those concerning raw water procurement, underscores a broader commitment to good corporate governance and operational optimization. In an era where resource scarcity, climate change impacts, and increasing urban demand place unprecedented stress on water systems, utilities worldwide are compelled to regularly assess their supply chains and partnerships. For Perumda Tirta Bhagasasi, this evaluation is not merely a procedural exercise but a fundamental step towards fortifying its long-term operational resilience and fulfilling its mandate to the public.
Chronology of a Strategic Shift: The Q2 2026 Performance Review
The impetus for this comprehensive evaluation emerged from the second-quarter 2026 performance review meeting. These quarterly reviews are standard practice for public enterprises, designed to scrutinize operational achievements, financial health, and adherence to strategic objectives. The meeting, which brought together a diverse group of leaders including members of the Board of Supervisors, the Board of Directors, and various departmental and branch heads, provided a holistic perspective on the company’s current state and future trajectory.
During this review, discussions naturally gravitated towards the efficiency and effectiveness of external collaborations. It became apparent that a structured, in-depth re-evaluation was necessary to align existing agreements with the company’s evolving strategic goals and the dynamic market environment. The consensus reached among the leadership reflects a unified vision to proactively manage risks, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure that every partnership contributes positively to Perumda Tirta Bhagasasi’s mission. The timing in Q2 2026 suggests a forward-looking approach, preparing the utility for the challenges and opportunities of the latter half of the year and beyond.
Leadership’s Stance: Prioritizing Mutual Benefit and Future Viability
Ank Gustini, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, articulated the core principle guiding this initiative: "The primary principle in cooperation is mutual benefit." This statement emphasizes that any partnership, to be deemed successful and sustainable, must generate value for all parties involved, critically including Perumda Tirta Bhagasasi itself. Gustini further elaborated that if an agreement’s execution deviates from its initial terms or no longer serves its intended purpose, a review and potential renegotiation or termination is a "reasonable and necessary step." This highlights a pragmatic approach, refusing to be bound by historical commitments that no longer serve the company’s best interests or the public good.
Echoing this sentiment, President Director Reza Lutfi reinforced the management’s forward-looking perspective. He stated that the current leadership "will not be fixated on past decisions," but rather concentrate on the "prospects and sustainability of future cooperation." Lutfi’s remarks, made on Sunday, April 19, 2026, underscored the primary criterion for evaluation: "What is being looked at is whether the cooperation is still profitable or not." This focus on profitability is crucial for a regional public enterprise, as financial health directly impacts its ability to invest in infrastructure, maintain service quality, and achieve self-sufficiency, thereby reducing reliance on government subsidies. The emphasis on future viability indicates a strategic pivot towards long-term planning and resilience.
The Critical Nature of Raw Water Procurement
The specific focus on raw water procurement agreements is particularly significant. Raw water, the unprocessed water drawn from rivers, lakes, or groundwater sources, is the fundamental input for any water utility. Its acquisition involves complex contractual arrangements that can significantly impact a utility’s operational costs, water quality, and supply reliability. These agreements often involve private sector entities, other regional water companies, or even direct abstraction permits from regulatory bodies.
Challenges in raw water procurement can range from fluctuating prices, issues with water quality at the source (due to pollution or environmental degradation), reliability of supply (especially during droughts or floods), and the intricacies of long-term contractual obligations. An unfavorable raw water procurement agreement can lead to inflated operational expenses, which may translate into higher tariffs for consumers or financial strain on the utility. Conversely, a well-structured and optimized raw water contract can ensure a stable, cost-effective, and high-quality supply, forming the bedrock of efficient water services.
The evaluation will likely scrutinize several aspects:
- Pricing Mechanisms: Are the current pricing structures competitive and fair, reflecting market conditions and the true cost of water?
- Supply Reliability: Are the third parties consistently meeting their agreed-upon supply volumes and quality standards?
- Contractual Terms: Are the terms and conditions equitable, flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances, and protective of Perumda Tirta Bhagasasi’s interests?
- Environmental Compliance: Do the partners adhere to all environmental regulations in their water abstraction and delivery processes?
- Technological Advancement: Are there opportunities to incorporate new technologies or methods to improve raw water quality or reduce treatment costs?
By meticulously reviewing these aspects, Perumda Tirta Bhagasasi aims to identify agreements that may be outdated, inefficient, or no longer aligned with its strategic objectives, thereby paving the way for renegotiation, re-tendering, or the exploration of alternative supply sources.
Broader Context: The Indonesian Water Sector Landscape
The move by Perumda Tirta Bhagasasi is reflective of a broader trend within the Indonesian water sector, where regional public enterprises (Perumda/PDAMs) are increasingly under pressure to improve their performance, expand coverage, and achieve financial self-sufficiency. Many PDAMs across Indonesia grapple with challenges such as aging infrastructure, high levels of non-revenue water (NRW) due to leaks and illegal connections, limited capital for investment, and the complexities of managing public-private partnerships (PPPs) that have had mixed success.
Historically, some PPPs in the water sector have faced criticism for opaque contracts, high tariffs, or failure to meet service targets. This has led to a cautious approach from many utilities and a greater emphasis on transparency and accountability in new and existing partnerships. The national government has also pushed for reforms to enhance the financial health and operational efficiency of regional water utilities, recognizing their crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: "clean water and sanitation for all."
For Bekasi, a highly urbanized and industrialized area, securing a stable and affordable water supply is not just a matter of public service but also an economic imperative. Industries rely heavily on consistent water access, and disruptions can have significant economic repercussions. This adds another layer of importance to Perumda Tirta Bhagasasi’s strategic review of its raw water procurement.
Potential Implications and Stakeholder Reactions
The implications of this comprehensive evaluation are multifaceted, touching various stakeholders:
- For Perumda Tirta Bhagasasi: The primary expected outcome is enhanced operational efficiency, potential cost savings, improved financial stability, and better risk management. By optimizing raw water procurement, the utility can potentially reduce its production costs, which could lead to more stable tariffs for consumers or increased investment in infrastructure upgrades. It could also lead to stronger, more transparent partnerships in the future.
- For Existing Third-Party Partners: Companies currently holding contracts with Perumda Tirta Bhagasasi, particularly those involved in raw water supply, will face a period of scrutiny. They may need to demonstrate the ongoing value and competitiveness of their services. This could lead to renegotiations of terms, demands for improved service delivery, or, in some cases, the termination of contracts if they are deemed unprofitable or non-beneficial to the utility. This uncertainty might prompt these partners to review their own operational models and pricing strategies.
- For Consumers in Bekasi: In the long term, a more efficient Perumda Tirta Bhagasasi could translate into more reliable water supply, improved water quality, and potentially more stable or even lower tariffs. However, during the transition period, if contracts are terminated and new partners are sought, there could be temporary adjustments or minor disruptions, though the utility will likely strive to minimize any impact on service delivery. The overall goal is to secure better value for money, which should ultimately benefit the end-users.
- For the Bekasi Regency Government: As the owner of Perumda Tirta Bhagasasi, the local government will likely support this initiative, seeing it as a move towards good governance and improved public service delivery. The success of this evaluation will reflect positively on the local administration’s commitment to efficient resource management and accountability.
- For Potential New Partners: The evaluation process could open doors for new companies to bid for raw water supply contracts or other cooperative agreements, fostering greater competition and potentially leading to innovative solutions and more favorable terms for Perumda Tirta Bhagasasi.
The Road Ahead: A Phased and Transparent Process
The evaluation process is expected to be systematic and thorough, likely involving several phases:
- Data Collection and Audit: A detailed review of all existing contracts, including financial terms, performance metrics, compliance records, and historical data.
- Performance Analysis: Assessing each partnership against predefined criteria for mutual benefit, profitability, and strategic alignment.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Potentially engaging with existing partners to discuss findings, negotiate revised terms, or solicit proposals for improvement.
- Decision Making: Based on the evaluation, decisions will be made regarding contract renegotiation, termination, or continuation.
- Tendering (if necessary): For terminated contracts, a transparent public tendering process would be initiated to find new partners.
This entire process, given its complexity and the number of agreements involved, is unlikely to be concluded quickly. It could extend over several months, potentially into late 2026 or early 2027, requiring meticulous planning and execution to ensure continuity of service. Transparency throughout this process will be crucial to maintain public trust and avoid any perceptions of impropriety.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Sustainable Water Management
Perumda Tirta Bhagasasi’s decision to critically evaluate its third-party cooperation agreements, particularly in raw water procurement, represents a significant step towards reinforcing its operational efficiency, financial resilience, and long-term commitment to serving the people of Bekasi. By prioritizing mutual benefit and future viability over historical inertia, the utility aims to establish a robust and sustainable framework for water supply that can meet the growing demands of a dynamic urban environment. This proactive measure not only reflects sound corporate governance but also underscores the utility’s dedication to ensuring access to clean, reliable, and affordable water for all its consumers, positioning Perumda Tirta Bhagasasi for a more secure and prosperous future in the vital sector of water management.
