Yes, rainwater collection is legal in Indonesia but subject to provincial and municipal regulations, particularly under the 2026 amendments to the Water Resources Law. Local governments, including the Jakarta Provincial Government and Bandung City, impose permits for large-scale systems, while small-scale household use remains generally unregulated. Compliance hinges on adherence to spatial planning and environmental impact assessments.
Key Regulations for Rainwater Collection in Indonesia
- Water Resources Law (UU No. 17/2019, amended 2026): Requires permits for rainwater harvesting systems exceeding 10 m³ capacity or serving commercial/public facilities, enforced by the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR).
- Local Spatial Plans (RTRW): Provincial governments (e.g., West Java, DKI Jakarta) mandate compliance with zoning laws; unauthorized construction of storage tanks may trigger fines or dismantling orders.
- Environmental Protection (PP No. 22/2021): Systems must prevent contamination of groundwater; failure to implement filtration or storage standards risks penalties under regional environmental agencies.
Non-compliance risks administrative sanctions, including revocation of business licenses for commercial operators or forced removal of infrastructure by local authorities. Households should verify municipal bylaws, as some cities (e.g., Surabaya) incentivize rainwater harvesting through tax rebates but require registration for systems over 5 m³. Consultation with the Regional Water Resources Agency (Dinas Sumber Daya Air) is advised for project-specific guidance.