Exploring effective institutional models for piped drinking water management: a comparative study of Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur and proposal of a new model for Indonesia's new capital city

ABSTRACT This article presents a comparative analysis of water management systems between two water utilities, Air Selangor in Malaysia and PAM JAYA in Indonesia. The study evaluates various dimensions including performance comparison, input–throughput–output analysis, hierarchy in operational action situations, and internal structures. Key findings reveal that Kuala Lumpur demonstrates superior service coverage and performance metrics compared to Jakarta, attributed to stronger financial performance and effective governance structures. The success of Air Selangor is highlighted, emphasizing the role of gubernatorial agencies in overseeing water resource management and ensuring operational efficiency. In contrast, Jakarta's water management faces challenges due to central government control and private sector focus on financial targets rather than operational goals. The proposed institutional model for Indonesia's New Capital City advocates for multi-stakeholder involvement to enhance water provision efficiency and address equitable access challenges. Overall, the study underscores the importance of robust governance frameworks and collaborative approaches in achieving sustainable and reliable urban water management outcome.