Fecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) of Mukomuko Regency

Aiko Sarasvaty Prabowo

Introduction

Mukomuko Regency, located on the western coast of Sumatra, is prioritizing sustainable sanitation solutions to support public health and environmental protection. As the population grows and urban areas expand, the demand for effective fecal sludge management becomes increasingly urgent. To address this challenge, the local government has initiated the construction of a modern Fecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) in Kota Mukomuko District.

Location and Service Area

The FSTP is strategically located in Kota Mukomuko District, the regency capital with an area of 188.39 km², consisting of nine definitive villages. This area is designated as a priority sanitation zone according to the Mukomuko Regency Spatial Plan (RTRW 2012–2032).

The facility will serve nine villages:

  • Tanah Rekah

  • Pasar Mukomuko

  • Ujung Padang

  • Pondok Batu

  • Selagan Jaya

  • Pasar Sebelah

  • Koto Jaya

  • Bandar Ratu

  • Tanah Harapan

Capacity & Projections

Population projections show steady growth, from 19,432 people in 2023 to more than 25,000 by 2043. Based on sludge generation rates, the plant is designed with a treatment capacity of 10 m³/day.

In the first 10 years, service coverage will gradually reach 80% to ensure system stability, before scaling up to full 100% coverage. This staged approach allows for efficient resource management while achieving long-term sustainability.

Treatment Technology

After a multi-criteria analysis, the selected treatment technology is a combination of Solid Separation Chamber (SSC) and Waste Stabilization Ponds, supported by additional treatment units. The treatment line includes:

Effluent Standards

The FSTP is designed to meet Indonesia’s domestic wastewater effluent standards (Permen LHK P.68/2016), which set strict limits for:

  • BOD ≤ 30 mg/L

  • COD ≤ 100 mg/L

  • TSS ≤ 30 mg/L

  • Ammonia ≤ 10 mg/L

  • Total Coliform ≤ 3,000/100 mL

Layout

My Contribution

Throughout this project, I worked closely with engineers and water expert by:

  • Assisting in drafting the Design Note (DED report) for the Mukomuko FSTP.

  • Supporting population projection and capacity planning.

  • Helping to calculate the dimensions of key treatment technologies (SSC, anaerobic pond, facultative pond, maturation pond, constructed wetlands, sludge drying beds).

  • Verifying that the design meets effluent quality standards and aligns with national guidelines.

This role allowed me to apply technical expertise in sanitation engineering and water management, while contributing to an important regional infrastructure project.

The FSTP of Mukomuko Regency represents a forward-looking approach to sanitation, balancing engineering, environmental sustainability, and community needs. With collaborative efforts, including my role as a Water Expert Assistant . This project sets a strong example for other regions in Indonesia striving for improved sanitation infrastructure.

Conclusion