Our actions and goals
Click the SDG Goals to read the initiatives
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Prevention of Water System Pollution
Universitas Indonesia prevents polluted water from entering the broader water system through centralized, source-aware wastewater management led by Sewage Treatment Plants (STP). Waste streams from toilets, sinks, and laboratories are routed to dedicated treatment tanks where domestic wastewater is continuously treated until it meets discharge or reuse standards; laboratory effluents receive pH neutralization before entering the treatment train to avoid chemical shocks to downstream systems. The campus also captures ablution runoff and harvested rainwater into ground tanks so these flows are controlled and managed rather than discharged untreated into drain.
The university complements on-site treatment with a reliance on hygienically managed municipal supply for potable uses and careful allocation of treated water for nonpotable applications, reducing pressure to discharge raw or marginal-quality water and protecting public health on campus. By maintaining clear separation between potable PDAM supply and treated/reused waters, Universitas Indonesia minimizes the risk that contaminated or inadequately treated water reaches drinking supplies or public conveyances.
Operational safeguards focus on preventing pollution at the source, maintaining continuous treatment, and reusing treated effluent for tasks that do not require drinking water (such as flushing toilets, vehicle washing, and irrigation) thereby cutting the volume of wastewater released to the environment and lowering the chance of accidental contamination. These practices, combined with routine system upkeep and clear routing of stormwater and ablution water flows into managed tanks, form a practical, layered defense against both everyday pollution and incidents that might otherwise introduce pollutants into the campus or local water systems.
Water Reuse Policy
Universitas Indonesia recognizes clean water as a fundamental need and a finite resource. To conserve water and support campus operations, the university has adopted a formal water reuse policy under Rector’s Decree No. 1215 of 2024, which promotes recycling and rainwater harvesting for non‑potable uses across campus.
Our wastewater management is centered on decentralized Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) located at faculties and units. Domestic wastewater from toilets, kitchen sinks, and neutralized laboratory effluents is treated until it meets standards for safe discharge or onsite reuse. In addition, ablution (wudhu) wastewater and harvested rainwater are collected in ground tanks for reuse. Treated and harvested water is reused for toilet flushing, washing official vehicles and operational equipment, and irrigating campus landscaping.
Keputusan Rektor Universitas Indonesia No. 1215 Tahun 2024, Poin 4
“Mendorong pemanfaatan daur ulang air seperti pemanfaatan kembali air hujan (sistem panen air hujan) untuk keperluan rumah tangga, untuk flush di toilet, pencucian kendaraan dinas dan operasional, dan menyiram tanaman.”
Water Reuse Measurement
To measure and report progress in maximizing water reuse, Universitas Indonesia monitors volumes of municipal supply (PDAM), treated effluent, and reused water. Consumption data of treated water from PDAM over the years are as follows:
Sustainable water extraction on campus
Universitas Indonesia combines on-site capture, reuse, and recharge to minimize reliance on external supplies while protecting local hydrology. Rainwater harvesting systems collect rooftop and paved runoff into tanks for non-potable uses, and treated ablution greywater is recycled for tasks like watering plants and washing vehicles. These measures reduce demand on municipal water and provide resilient sources for everyday campus needs.
To maintain and restore groundwater, the campus installs biopore holes and infiltration wells across green areas and drainage points. These features speed up stormwater infiltration, prevent surface flooding, and channel excess water back into shallow aquifers, helping stabilize local water tables. Regular monitoring and maintenance ensure recharge rates and water quality remain appropriate for their intended uses.
Universitas Indonesia uses operational safeguards to prioritize health and impact reduction. Reused water is treated to match its end use, non-potable sources are used first, and groundwater withdrawals are controlled to avoid ecological harm. Together these systems lower flood risk, support healthier landscapes, and serve as living demonstrations of sustainable water management for students, staff, and the surrounding community.