KAI Saves 203.93 Million Liters of Water in 2025, Strengthening Water Recycling Technology

Water management has become an important part of KAI's efforts to improve resource efficiency and maintain sustainable operations. Throughout 2025, water consumption reached 716.30 megaliters, down by 203.93 megaliters or 22.16 percent from 920.23 megaliters in 2024. The reduction is equivalent to saving around 203.93 million liters of water.

Water efficiency is becoming increasingly important as water availability faces greater pressure from climate change and rising demand. Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization in AQUASTAT 2025, published by UN-Water in January 2026, shows that the global availability of renewable freshwater per capita has declined by 7 percent over the past decade.

A similar situation needs to be anticipated in Indonesia. The Directorate General of Water Resources at the Ministry of Public Works, referring to an analysis by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency for the second ten-day period of July 2026, reported that 89.97 percent of Indonesia experienced below-normal rainfall. The peak of the dry season is expected to occur from July to September 2026, while the El Niño phenomenon may continue until early 2027.

In railway operations, water is used for various needs, including sanitation, toilets, prayer facilities, employee and customer needs, and train washing. Therefore, reducing water consumption needs to be carried out through proper measurement and control while maintaining cleanliness and service comfort.

The decrease in water use in 2025 occurred across all of KAI's water sources. Surface water use fell from 114.41 megaliters in 2024 to 47.90 megaliters in 2025. Groundwater use also decreased from 626.25 megaliters to 570.80 megaliters, while water supplied by local water utilities decreased from 179.57 megaliters to 97.60 megaliters.

In addition to controlling consumption, water efficiency is also supported by the use of water treatment and reuse technologies. One example is the Automatic Train Wash Plant (ATWP) used by the Jabodebek LRT, which allows trains to be washed automatically while using water more efficiently than conventional methods.

The ATWP is equipped with a water treatment system that processes used washing water through a filtration process. The system separates soil, sand, oil, and grease before the water is reused in the next washing cycle. In the final stage, rinsing uses demineralized water to maintain train cleanliness while reducing environmental impacts.

Reusing washing water helps reduce the need for new water in daily operations. KAI also regularly measures water consumption at its headquarters, operational units, and subsidiaries to monitor changes in usage patterns and determine the necessary follow-up actions.

Water efficiency provides benefits not only for the environment but also for operations. Lower use of water supplied by local water utilities can reduce water costs, while reduced groundwater use also helps lower the electricity needed to operate water pumps.

The reduction of 203.93 million liters of water shows the impact that can be achieved through better control across different units. Going forward, KAI will continue to strengthen water consumption measurement, responsible water use, and the application of water treatment and reuse technologies.

KAI will also continue evaluating water use at service and operational facilities, particularly in areas facing drought risks or pressure on water availability. These efforts are part of maintaining sustainable resources while ensuring that railway services remain clean, reliable, and efficient.