Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has stepped in following public debate over the water source used by bottled water giant Aqua, after West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi’s surprise inspection at the company’s Subang factory sparked questions about whether the brand truly uses “mountain spring water.”

Deputy ESDM Minister Yuliot Tanjung said on Friday, October 24, 2025, that many groundwater basins across Java are already in a critical condition, calling for stricter oversight of corporate water extraction.

“The water used by Aqua is drawn through borewells. Such extraction must follow regulations. We are emphasizing that many groundwater basins in regions such as West Java, Banten, Central Java, and East Java are in a critical state,” Yuliot told reporters at the ESDM headquarters in Jakarta.

He urged companies to be mindful of community access to clean water when conducting groundwater extraction.

“Any groundwater drilling must take into account local residents’ need for clean water,” he said.

Yuliot confirmed that all groundwater extraction activities must comply with licensing procedures stipulated under ministerial regulations.

“The permit process is detailed in our ministerial regulation. If a company meets the requirements, it can continue its operations. But if any licenses are incomplete, there will be consequences in the field,” he added.

When asked whether the ministry would issue a formal reprimand against Aqua’s parent company, PT Tirta Investama, Yuliot said an evaluation was underway to verify the firm’s licensing documents.

The issue surfaced after Governor Dedi Mulyadi conducted an unannounced inspection earlier this week, questioning the company’s claim of using mountain spring water.

In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Kang Dedi Mulyadi Channel, Dedi appeared surprised to learn that the water used by Aqua’s Subang factory was sourced from deep wells, not directly from mountain springs.

“So, it’s from a borewell?” Dedi asked during the visit. A company representative responded, “Yes, it’s from underground, not surface water.”

Aqua later issued a public clarification through its official website on Thursday, denying claims that it used “ordinary well water.” The company explained that its production draws water from deep aquifers that are part of mountain hydrogeological systems, naturally protected and scientifically validated by experts from Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and Padjadjaran University (Unpad).

“Some of our sources are naturally flowing (self-flowing). The water is taken from deep layers that do not intersect with surface water used by local communities,” Aqua stated.

The company emphasized that its extraction operations are conducted under valid Groundwater Extraction Permits (SIPA) and are regularly monitored by local and national authorities, including the Geological Agency and the ESDM Ministry.

Aqua also highlighted its Ground Water Resources Policy, which mandates sustainable water management, quality protection, and support for local cultural heritage and community development around its operational sites.