Yayasan Rumah Energi (Rumah Energi) continues to strengthen its efforts to provide access to clean water for local communities. In collaboration with Microsoft, Rumah Energi has launched a water conservation initiative through the construction of Rainwater Harvesting Systems (RHS) in two areas: Pasirranji Village, Cikarang Pusat Subdistrict, Bekasi Regency, and Wanakerta Village, Telukjambe Barat Subdistrict, Karawang Regency.

This initiative serves as a tangible step toward delivering sustainable solutions to the clean water crisis, particularly for communities that have long relied on surface water sources such as the Cibeet River. The rainwater harvesting system enables residents to collect, filter, and utilize rainwater independently—reducing dependence on groundwater while strengthening environmental resilience against droughts and floods.

A total of 10 RHS units have been built in each village, benefiting 20 households in managing water more efficiently. Each installation can collect and filter an average of 511 liters of rainwater per day during the rainy season, providing up to 93,600 liters or 93.6 cubic meters of clean water per year.

The harvested water is used for various household needs, such as washing, watering plants, and sanitation. Beyond the economic benefits of reducing expenses for clean water or electricity for water pumps, the program also has a direct impact on improving public health.

Sumanda Tondang, Executive Director of Rumah Energi, explained that the program emerged in response to the urgent need for safe water sources in local communities.

“This program aims to expand access to safe clean water sources, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, and low-income families. The presence of the rainwater harvesting system is expected to reduce household spending on water purchases or electricity for river water pumping, as well as to lower the risk of waterborne diseases,” said Sumanda.

From a public health perspective, local health officers confirmed that water from the Cibeet River contains E. Coli bacteria. The simple filtration process in the rainwater harvesting system has proven effective in minimizing the risks of diseases caused by contaminated water.

The program received positive responses from both local governments and residents. Didik Setia, Secretary of the Bekasi Regency Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), stated that the initiative aligns with regional development goals: “This program supports the vision of the Bekasi Regency Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD), particularly in realizing quality, equitable, and inclusive infrastructure development,” said Didik.

Similar appreciation came from Mahmur, a representative from Pasirranji Village, and H. Osang Wijaya, SE., MM, Acting Head of Wanakerta Village. “For years, our community has relied on the Cibeet River for daily needs. The installation of this system has greatly improved the quality of life of our residents,” said Mahmur.

Beyond providing direct benefits in clean water access, this program also contributes to local climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. Through collaboration between the private sector and communities, Rumah Energi and Microsoft demonstrate that environmentally friendly technology can offer practical solutions to basic needs such as clean water—while also fostering public awareness of water conservation.

“Water is the foundation of community resilience in the face of climate change. At Rumah Energi, we believe that protecting and ensuring sustainable water access is key to realizing the vision of Indonesia Berdaya—an empowered Indonesia,” concluded Sumanda.

Written by: Fauzan Ramadhan