KAI's Water Consumption Falls by 22.16 Percent, ATWP at LRT Jabodebek Strengthens Water Recycling

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded water consumption of 716.30 megaliters throughout 2025. This figure decreased by 203.93 megaliters, or 22.16 percent, compared with the 920.23 megaliters consumed in 2024. The reduction is equivalent to 203.93 million liters of water.

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

Similar pressures need to be anticipated in Indonesia. The Directorate General of Water Resources of the Ministry of Public Works, referring to an analysis by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency for the second 10-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 could continue into early 2027.

Vice President Corporate Communication KAI Anne Purba said that this condition makes water efficiency an important part of maintaining the resilience of public services.

“Water is used every day to meet the needs of customers and employees, maintain cleanliness of railway facilities, and support operational facilities. Therefore, every reduction in water consumption must be achieved through measurement, control, and technology while maintaining cleanliness standards and service comfort,” said Anne.

The decrease in consumption occurred across all of KAI's water sources. Surface water use decreased from 114.41 megaliters in 2024 to 47.90 megaliters in 2025. During the same period, groundwater use fell from 626.25 megaliters to 570.80 megaliters, while the use of water supplied by regional drinking water utilities decreased from 179.57 megaliters to 97.60 megaliters.

The water is used for sanitation facilities, toilets, prayer washing areas, employee and customer needs, as well as railway facility washing. Controlling water consumption is important to maintain the cleanliness of facilities and railway assets while using new water more efficiently.

One technology supporting this approach is the Automatic Train Wash Plant, or ATWP, at LRT Jabodebek. This technology automatically washes railway facilities while using water more efficiently than conventional methods.

ATWP is equipped with a water treatment system that processes used wash 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 is carried out using demineralized water to maintain the cleanliness of railway facilities while reducing environmental impacts.

Reusing wash water helps reduce the need for new water in operational activities. KAI also regularly measures water consumption at its head office, all units across its operational areas, and subsidiaries to identify changes in consumption patterns and take appropriate follow-up actions.

This efficiency provides both environmental and operational benefits. Reduced use of water supplied by regional drinking water utilities helps lower water costs, while reduced groundwater use also decreases electricity consumption for pump operations. These measures are implemented while maintaining service quality.

“A reduction of 203.93 million liters demonstrates the significant benefits that can be achieved through controls across various units. KAI will continue to strengthen measurement, disciplined water use, and the application of water treatment technology so that every liter is used responsibly,” said Anne.

Going forward, KAI will continue to evaluate water use at service and operational facilities, particularly in areas facing drought risks or water availability pressures. This effort is part of maintaining resource sustainability while ensuring that railway services remain clean, reliable, and efficient.

VP Corporate Communication KAI