AMDK Producers’ Business Constrained as Water Resource Bill Passed

The House of Representatives (DPR) passed the Bill on Water Resources in a plenary meeting chaired by DPR Deputy Speaker Fahri Hamzah at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Tuesday (9/17). Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly said the water resource bill is a manifestation of the spirit, ideals, and commitment of the government and DPR in asserting the state control over water resources. According to him, this was stated in the 1945 Constitution as well as in the Constitutional Court Decision No. 85/PUU-XI/2013.

The bill consists of 16 chapters and 79 articles which regulate, among others, the management of the state and people's right on water, duties, and authorities for water resource management and licensing. Additionally, the bill regulates information systems, water resources utilization, and supervision, community participation, as well as criminal investigations and provisions. Yasonna said the law also accommodates the existing needs and dynamics, such as the guarantee of basic needs of at least 60 liters per person per day, irrigation management as a unified system, as well as strengthening supervision in water resources management.