A Conversation with Henry Pohan Simangunsong on Clean Drinking Water in Indonesia
Featured image: Antara Foto/Oky Lukmansyah
Indonesia, with a population of 275 million, stands as the fourth most populous nation globally and boasts Southeast Asia's largest economy. While its capital, Jakarta, thrives as an international centre, rural areas and informal urban settlements grapple with inadequate infrastructure and health challenges. Access to clean water is a significant issue for many households, with sources often distant, contaminated, or costly, and sanitation facilities remain out of reach for numerous residents.
Approximately 192 million Indonesians lack access to safe water, while 14 million lack access to proper sanitation. In a recent interview with Henry Pohan Simangunsong, we delved into the critical issue of clean drinking water access in Indonesia and what he’s doing about it as an impact entrepreneur. Henry has expertise in renewable energy, specifically solar power, a background in technology and a passion for sustainable solutions. Henry's journey equipped him with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by communities in different parts of the world.
Henry's career trajectory took him from Asia to Europe, with a significant focus on technology and renewable energy solutions. However, it was during his time working with various companies in Asia, specifically in Indonesia, that he became acutely aware of the dire need for clean drinking water in certain regions, such as remote islands.
One of the primary challenges Henry identified was the reliance on imported water, leading to exorbitant prices and environmental concerns due to transportation. Groundwater, the primary source of water in these areas, was often contaminated with chalk, making it unfit for consumption. This realisation sparked Henry's determination to find a sustainable solution to address this pressing issue.
Henry's involvement with Solar Water Solutions, a Finnish company specialising in clean drinking water technologies, provided him with the tools necessary to develop a solution. Drawing inspiration from successful projects in Africa and a pilot project in Bali, Henry set out to implement a distributed clean drinking water system in remote Indonesian islands.
The innovative approach involves utilising renewable energy sources to power water purification systems, thus reducing costs, environmental impact and making it possible to be done in off-grid remote areas. Collaborating closely with local communities, governments, and investment partners, Henry aims to create a self-sustaining business model that ensures long-term access to clean drinking water for all.
The impact of Henry's project extends beyond providing clean drinking water. By empowering local communities with job opportunities and affordable access to water, the project aims to address broader social issues, such as health disparities and gender inequality.
Henry emphasises the importance of approaching such challenges with an open mind and a willingness to collaborate across cultures and disciplines. He sees his project not just as a solution to a specific problem but as part of a broader movement towards sustainable development and global solidarity.
“Embracing different experiences opens our eyes to new perspectives. It's not just about enjoying the scenery; it's about leveraging our curiosity to make a difference. Reflecting on the birth of my second son made me realise the importance of considering the future we're creating together. I want to encourage young minds to pursue their passions while staying aware of global issues,” says Henry.
Henry is actively seeking investors who share his vision for sustainable solutions, and he is open to discussing collaborations with potential partners. If you're passionate about sustainable development and eager to contribute to positive change, Henry is eager to connect and explore opportunities for collaboration.
