Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia is preparing a water farming policy requiring groundwater users to restore water reserves as part of efforts to protect sustainable water resources, the Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat said.Speaking at the Indonesia Net Zero Summit (INZS) 2026 in Jakarta on Saturday, Jumhur said the policy would require users to return extracted groundwater through approved mechanisms.He said existing groundwater fees paid to local governments were insufficient because they did not directly support groundwater recovery or maintain ecosystem balance.The policy aims to prevent land subsidence, groundwater depletion and damage to aquatic ecosystems, Jumhur added. The groundwater use must be matched as well with restoration efforts to ensure long-term sustainability.Groundwater recovery could include building biopore infiltration systems with specific standards or planting trees based on the volume of water extracted.Jumhur explained technical requirements for the policy are still being prepared and will be further regulated once finalised. He said the water farming rules would apply to all groundwater users, including businesses such as data centers.The minister expects the policy to be completed this year after public consultations and discussions with relevant stakeholders.The Indonesian government is developing the regulation as demand for groundwater rises, requiring stronger measures to maintain water availability and prevent environmental degradation.Jumhur said the government’s approach seeks to balance economic activity with environmental protection by ensuring groundwater extraction is followed by measures to replenish natural reserves.The Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI) hosted INZS 2026 in Jakarta on Saturday under the theme “It’s Time to Deliver!”.The event featured UN Special Envoy for Water Issues Retno Marsudi and Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat, focusing on climate action and sustainable development.