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| Pneumatics in Water Supply and Treatment Technology Installations in Germany. Image source: https://www.festo.com/id/en/e/journal/in-practice/benefits-of-pneumatics-id_4753 |
Compiled by: Masri Sareb Putra, M.A.
Date : June 04, 2025
Abstract
The development of Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN) in Paser Penajam Utara, East Kalimantan, faces significant challenges in ensuring a reliable supply of clean water—an essential component of sustainable urban growth.
This paper examines the current state of clean water procurement and processing in IKN, addressing difficulties arising from geographical and environmental conditions such as peatland terrain and industrial pollution.
Drawing insights from advanced German water treatment technologies, especially pneumatic automation systems implemented by Landeswasserversorgung Baden-Württemberg with Festo, the study explores the potential for technology transfer to overcome water infrastructure challenges in IKN. A proposed framework emphasizes compact, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance pneumatic systems for enhancing water filtration and distribution, with considerations of cost, scalability, and local adaptability. The paper concludes with recommendations for international collaboration, capacity building, and sustainable infrastructure investment to secure water resilience in IKN.
1. Introduction
The establishment of IKN as Indonesia’s new capital marks a significant stride in sustainable urban planning. Located in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, IKN aspires to be a smart, green city. However, providing clean water remains a critical issue for residents, governmental institutions, and industrial zones. In some cases, reliance on rainwater or limited groundwater persists, hindered by peat-dominated terrain and industrial pollution.
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Germany, known for its world-class water management systems, presents a viable model. Specifically, the pneumatic systems employed by Landeswasserversorgung Baden-Württemberg, with Festo’s automation technology, offer solutions characterized by energy efficiency and minimal maintenance—attributes suitable for IKN’s ambitious goals.
2. Literature Review
2.1 Clean Water Challenges in IKN
IKN’s water supply struggles are largely geographic and environmental. The area’s peatland composition degrades groundwater quality, with high salinity and contamination from domestic and industrial waste. Surface water sources such as rivers are inconsistent due to seasonal flows and pollution, requiring robust treatment systems.
Projects like the Sepaku Semoi Dam and various WTPs (Water Treatment Plants) with capacities from 50 to 300 liters per second have been initiated. Yet, reports from 2024 indicate water shortages and health issues due to inadequate water quality.
2.2 German Water Treatment Technologies
Germany’s Landeswasserversorgung serves over 3 million people annually with 90 million cubic meters of drinking water. Since 1973, the Langenau plant has utilized gravity-based filtration enhanced with pneumatic automation from Festo. These systems—compact and low-maintenance—allow precise, efficient control of the water treatment process using actuators like Festo’s DAPS, ideal for environments with limited space.
2.3 Technology Transfer Frameworks
Technology transfer extends beyond equipment; it includes knowledge, skills, and cultural adaptation. German water management partnerships globally show the importance of training, local customization, and sustainable planning. Indonesia’s environmental goals align well with adopting such eco-friendly technologies in IKN.
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3. Methodology
This study uses a qualitative approach, synthesizing information from government reports, academic literature, and industry case studies.
Data regarding IKN’s infrastructure were obtained from national news and official releases. Information on German pneumatic technologies was sourced from Festo’s publications. The comparative analysis focuses on feasibility, scalability, and environmental adaptability of the proposed systems.
4. Results and Discussion
4.1 Current Water Infrastructure in IKN
The Sepaku Semoi Dam is IKN’s primary water source, delivering 300 L/s to the core government area. WTPs in Sepaku and Lawe-Lawe supplement this, yet challenges persist:
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Limited distribution networks
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High operational costs (e.g., Rp1.2 billion/year for a 70 L/s WTP)
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Environmental constraints (e.g., high salinity from peatland)
These emphasize the need for cost-effective and durable technologies.
4.2 Pneumatic Technology in Water Treatment
Festo’s pneumatic systems, proven in Langenau, offer:
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Up to 10% energy savings compared to electric systems
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Compact, scalable designs suitable for limited space
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Minimal maintenance and durable performance
Such features align with IKN’s requirements for low-cost, sustainable solutions.
4.3 Potential for Technology Transfer
Advantages:
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Efficiency: Lower energy and maintenance costs
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Scalability: Easy integration into current WTPs
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Sustainability: Supports smart-city goals
Challenges:
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High initial investment
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Need for trained technical staff
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Local adaptation (e.g., turbidity and salinity issues)
Collaborative training programs and pilot installations with German partners could bridge these gaps.
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5. Conclusion
Ensuring clean water in IKN is a foundational challenge in its sustainable development agenda. Germany’s pneumatic water treatment technologies offer practical solutions with proven success. Through international cooperation, skill development, and strategic investment, Indonesia can adopt these systems to secure water access for its new capital. Pilot projects and economic feasibility studies are recommended as next steps.
6. Recommendations
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Partnerships with German firms like Festo for expertise exchange.
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Training programs for Indonesian engineers and technicians.
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Feasibility studies for integrating pneumatic systems into existing WTPs.
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Infrastructure funding focused on scalable, sustainable water systems.
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Pilot implementations to validate efficiency in local contexts.
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