Air Kita Foundation

The Air Kita Foundation was set up to transform the performances of Indonesian-based water utility companies, in an attempt to increase the potential for Indonesia to meet its Millennium Development Goal objective, which the Indonesian government committed itself to in November 2008; that by 2013 60 million additional people will have access to pipe water. However, in March 2010, the Indonesian government acknowledged that only 35% of the total population was connected to a pipe water network (Ministry of Public Works), leaving millions of people without access to a safe water supply.

Financed by the European Union, Air Kita employs five permanent members of staff and their daily duties focus on raising awareness, providing technical education within the Indonesian water sector and promoting good water governance. This strategy is delivered through three main activities, which are described in more detail below, they include; Research, Creating synergy for capacity building of the water utilities and education of the communities, Communicating Progress and Promoting Good water Governance.

Research: Is crucial step for them to better understand what is really happening on the ground in terms of water provision and education. Their experience has to date proven that a majority of available data, statistics and information in the Indonesian water sector needs to be adjusted. Creating Synergy for capacity building of the water utilities and education of the communities: Air Kita works directly with the water utilities to increase their organization's capacity, manage growth and ensure sustainability. They also provide technical assistance and consultations services to help their beneficiaries manage risks and opportunities. The Foundation uses its network to mobilize political commitment and integrate the communities at an early stage, they use education to ensure local society understands challenges and take responsibility. Communicating Progress and Promoting Good water Governance: Air Kita runs campaigns, training, talk shows, workshops and participates at local and international event/conferences. Air Kita has participated in the World Water Congress in 2008 (Vienna), the Asia Water Week in 2008, to SEAWUN (South-East Asia Water Utility network) several times between 2007 and 2009. They are also fellows of the World Economic Forum.

Since the programme began in 2004, Titra Musi Palembang has become one of the best water utilities in Indonesia. Between 2004 and 2009 Titra Musi extended its network coverage from 43% to 83% and their Non Revenue Water (NRW) rate has been reduced from 68.2% to 38.5%. This represents about 300,000 people who get access to clean water and in 2008 they won the award for water efficiency from the Indonesian Water Supply Association. Benjarmasin utility company has become profitable with the help of Air Kita. In 2008 they won the award for 'Best practice in improving the living environment”, at the Metro TV MDGs award.

To date Air Kita Foundation promotes initiatives in Indonesia involving the water utilities, Ministries, state representatives, professional associations, universities, NGOs, financial institutions and development agencies. To build on the success of these projects Air Kita is seeking to build programmes in partnership with local or international organisations to strengthen water governance in Indonesia.