Ministerial Regulation No. 11 of 2025: New Challenges for Industry and Regional Governments

The issuance of the Regulation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry (Permen LHK) Number 11 of 2025 marks an important milestone in strengthening wastewater management in Indonesia. This regulation updates effluent quality standards, monitoring systems, and the obligations for managing Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP/IPAL) for both industrial sectors and residential areas under the authority of local governments.

For many stakeholders, this regulation is not merely an administrative adjustment, but presents real challenges in technical aspects, investment, and governance.

Impact of Permen LHK No. 11 of 2025 on Industry

Industry is one of the most affected parties, as it is required to ensure that all discharged wastewater meets the latest effluent standards. Some of the main challenges include:

1. Stricter Effluent Quality Standards
   Tighter standards require improved performance of existing WWTPs. Many older installations need to be upgraded, in terms of process technology, capacity, and monitoring systems.
2. Investment and Operational Costs
   Adjustments in treatment technology, the addition of treatment units, and the implementation of online monitoring systems require significant investment. In addition, operational and maintenance costs increase along with system complexity.
3. Compliance and Environmental Audits
   Industries are required to be more disciplined in reporting, laboratory testing, and readiness to undergo regular audits and inspections by environmental authorities.

Challenges for Local Governments

For local governments, Permen LHK No. 11 of 2025 brings major responsibilities in wastewater monitoring and management, particularly in residential areas and public facilities.

Some of the key issues faced by local governments include:

1. Readiness of Communal WWTP Infrastructure
   Many regions still face limitations in the capacity of communal WWTPs, in terms of technology, service coverage, and operational conditions. The new standards demand comprehensive system upgrades.
2. Monitoring and Regulatory Enforcement
   With large areas and numerous pollution sources, supervision becomes a serious challenge. More integrated monitoring systems and competent human resources are required.
3. Funding and Financing Schemes
   The construction and revitalization of communal WWTPs require substantial budgets. Local governments must be able to develop sustainable financing schemes, including potential partnerships with the private sector.
    

Strategic Role of WWTPs in Regulation Implementation

In the context of Permen LHK No. 11 of 2025, domestic, communal, and industrial WWTPs are the main instruments to ensure compliance with environmental quality standards. Failure of wastewater treatment systems not only results in legal sanctions, but also has the potential to cause wide-ranging environmental and social impacts.

Permen LHK No. 11 of 2025 presents significant challenges for both industry and local governments, particularly in terms of upgrading wastewater treatment standards, readiness of WWTP infrastructure, and stricter monitoring systems. On the other hand, this regulation also creates opportunities to encourage technological modernization, improved environmental governance, and the development of more sustainable wastewater management practices in Indonesia.