V. City Report

Surabaya (Indonesia)

Ms. Euis Darliana
Engineer
Sub Division of Environment Development Planning Agency
Surabaya City Government

Surabaya's population is 2.6 million. It is the second largest city in Indonesia, after Jakarta.

There is no sanitary landfill, just dumping. There are many residences along the Surabaya River, with toilets discharging directly into the river. People are also washing clothes and fishing in the river. This same river is also used to supply 95 percent of Surabaya's drinking water (after purifying treatment). This treatment is very expensive. The Surabaya River raw water quality is very poor.

In the city center residences have septic tanks, which are emptied by truck and treated at septic treatment plants.

The city's master plan calls for moving the water supply intake to a different location, to improve the water quality. The river source is in the mountains, and it runs through five cities.

Surabaya is a tropical city, with a rainy season from October to April. It has a population density of 7,996 people per square kilometer. About 64 percent of the population gets its water from the city water supply.

One great need is an accurate, reliable monitoring system, to conduct effective pollution control. It would help answer questions such as whether it is necessary for residents to boil water.

Other solutions being considered are working to enhance community awareness of water issues, and strict enforcement of no-dumping laws.