Chandra Asri Group Implements Water Stewardship Program: An Innovative Solution for Sustainable Water Management

Amid global challenges regarding clean water availability, Chandra Asri Group takes a proactive step with a strong commitment to sustainable water resource management. The company not only focuses on reducing water consumption and waste but also integrates innovations that support circularity and explore green alternatives. These initiatives align with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Chandra Asri Group has established a clear policy framework for water management. The Sustainability Development Committee plays a crucial role in monitoring the company’s sustainability performance, including water management. Reporting directly to the Board of Commissioners, the committee ensures compliance with local regulations while fostering water efficiency practices across all operations.

Addressing Challenges Through the Water Stewardship Program

At various operational sites, Chandra Asri Group has launched flagship programs that demonstrate significant success in water management. Here are some key initiatives showcasing the positive impact of these efforts.

SMA Negeri 1 Cilegon: Transformative Water Stewardship Initiative for Reusing Ablution Water

At SMA Negeri 1 Cilegon, clean water usage for non-potable needs such as watering plants and fish ponds was a major concern. To address this challenge, Chandra Asri designed a wastewater treatment system capable of processing 33 m³ of ablution water per month. The treated water is reused for environmental purposes, reducing dependence on clean water.

As a result, the school significantly reduced its clean water consumption for non-potable uses like plant irrigation and fish pond maintenance. This initiative also fostered a water conservation culture among students and staff. The program provides a practical understanding of natural resource conservation, demonstrating that innovative approaches can be both environmentally and economically beneficial. With the implemented water treatment system, the initiative is projected to save approximately 15% of initial water usage costs over ten years.

Kosambironyok Village: Bio-Septic Tank for Sustainable Sanitation

Kosambironyok Village faced serious challenges with untreated domestic wastewater. By installing bio-septic tanks in 20 households, Chandra Asri introduced an advanced filtration and microbial treatment system to process waste and recycle water for irrigation and other non-potable needs.

In 2023 alone, this system reduced clean water consumption by 1.1 million liters and decreased waste loads by 189 kg of BOD, 350 kg of COD, and 141 kg of TSS. Beyond its environmental benefits—such as reducing pollution and improving soil quality—the program also engaged local communities in sustainable sanitation practices. The bio-septic tank initiative has led to a 42.19% reduction in total annual water consumption across the 20 participating households.

Kadubeureum Biodiversity Park: Harmonizing Nature and Technology to Protect Water Resources

Spanning 6.5 hectares, Kadubeureum Park stands as a testament to the synergy between conservation and technology. Through efficient rainwater harvesting, the park meets its water needs, capturing up to 130,000 m³ of water annually. Water features within the park create habitats supporting 28 bird species from 17 families, including rare species such as the Mangrove Pitta and Javan Prinia.

Beyond conservation, the park serves as an educational center, offering guided tours and information boards to raise awareness about water management. By utilizing rainwater as the primary source (assuming 30% of harvesting capacity is used annually), the initiative is projected to recover twice the initial investment cost within five years.

Commitment to Water Management

Chandra Asri Group’s Water Stewardship Program underscores the company’s commitment to improving water access for both communities and the environment. From SMA Negeri 1 Cilegon to Kosambironyok Village and Kadubeureum Park, these initiatives demonstrate the tangible benefits of responsible water management in social, environmental, and economic aspects. With a well-structured strategy, Chandra Asri Group continues to contribute to effective water resource management, reinforcing its position as an industry leader in water stewardship in Indonesia.