Surakarta City is leading Indonesia’s sanitation innovation with the country’s first implementation of Reinvented Toilet (RT) technology, featuring the advanced Aquonic Tank system. This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant milestone in Indonesia’s journey toward achieving safely managed, inclusive sanitation solutions.
The project represents a strategic collaboration between the Surakarta government and prominent global organizations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Pijar Foundation, and Tahir Foundation. This partnership aims to validate and develop market-ready sanitation solutions that could revolutionize Indonesia’s approach to waste management.
The implementation of the Aquonic technology serves as a reference project for future sanitation developments across the nation. By demonstrating the viability of RT technology in real-world conditions, this initiative is expected to pave the way for broader market development and strategic planning in the sanitation sector.
This pioneering project not only showcases Indonesia’s commitment to innovative sanitation solutions but also represents a crucial step toward achieving the country’s ultimate goal of providing safe, managed, and inclusive sanitation for all its citizens.
The selection process for Aquonic tank installations prioritized locations with high visibility and potential for positive impact, ensuring long-term success and sustainability of operations and maintenance. The selection was based on a survey of 11 locations conducted through a two-tiered approach:
1) visibility and impact 2) suitability and sustainability
From these, 5 key sites were chosen for the initial phase of installation.
School – Location of SMP Negeri 1 Manahan
The school presents a unique opportunity to integrate Aquonic Technology as part of its educational environment. This installation will not only improve sanitation facilities but also serve as a teaching tool to promote sustainable wastewater treatment practices. The treated wastewater will be reused to irrigate the school’s green areas, demonstrating the potential for resource recovery and conservation in educational settings.
Low-Income Housing – Location of Rusunawa Kerkov
This densely populated housing complex has the potential for greywater reuse. By installing the Aquonic system, greywater can be treated and reused for non-potable purposes such as watering plants and flushing drainage channels. This installation will enhance sanitation infrastructure, especially for low-income residents, ensuring improved public health and environmental protection.
Office Building – Location of PDAM
As the main water utility office, this location offers an ideal setting to showcase the integration of Reinvented Toilet technology with Aquonic Tanks. The installation will demonstrate advanced wastewater treatment processes, improving the overall management of wastewater generated by the office’s facilities, while also serving as a model for innovative water management solutions.
Public Toilets – Location of culinary shelter.
This public toilet facility serves both local residents and visitors in a high-traffic area. Installing the Aquonic system here will provide a practical demonstration of how sanitation can be improved in public spaces, ensuring clean, sustainable sanitation for the shelter’s daily users. Treated wastewater will be reused for local greenery, contributing to the area’s overall hygiene and environmental upkeep.
Urban Park – Location of Banjarsari Park.
This urban park offers an opportunity for a public demonstration of treated wastewater reuse through the Aquonic system. The treated water will be used for irrigating plants and supporting park maintenance, reducing the strain on freshwater resources and promoting sustainable water management in recreational spaces.
This pioneering project not only showcases Indonesia’s commitment to innovative sanitation solutions but also represents a crucial step toward achieving the country’s ultimate goal of providing safe, managed, and inclusive sanitation for all its citizens. As this reference project unfolds in Surakarta, its success could serve as a blueprint for similar implementations across Indonesia and potentially other developing regions, marking a significant advancement in global sanitation technology adoption.