From panchuran to waterleiding: clean water solutions in Colonial Bandung, West Java, Dutch East Indies (1898‒1934)

This study examines clean water management in Bandung, West Java, Dutch East Indies (Indonesia), from the late 19th Century to early 20th Century. focuses on how human community has modified physical unit, including technology, skills, and social environmental priorities. Historical methods were applied investigate topic, heuristics, verification, interpretation, historiography. Most of data this collected primary sources form archives, official documents Department Public Works Bandung Municipality Government published century first half century. The results showed that indigenous people Sundanese, manage springs rivers based local knowledge, harmonizing simple technology with nature belief. They used panchuran, a channel made bamboo strips, drain springs. While Europeans initially relied dug wells for daily needs However, concerns over epidemics rapid population growth led more well-planned, professional supported by science technology-based infrastructure. municipality government mobilized engineers scientists research new build By 1930s, they could artesian wells, waterleiding networks, reservoirs, filtration systems, public facilities. exploited resources expanded urban mountainous areas north Bandung. recognized needed be explored capitalized. Two services available Bandung: pipeline service delivered directly households accessible Indigenous Kampongs facilities, while paid services.